Conspicuous by his absence here is Chris Matthews. In both Kat's opinion piece (save for one fleeting mention of his first name) and all the comments I've read there's no mention of Chris Matthews.
I'm not surprised. My wife and I used to watch him most every night until we grew weary of his questions that went over the same ground night after night, questions that had long since been answered or jokes about Trump that weren't funny anymore. Most annoying were his rude interruptions of his guests. Now we're happy to wait for Chris Hayes to come on.
11
ahahaha!! Guilty as charged. I'm purely fueled by exasperation and need to hear others assure me that we're not all normalizing and accepting of this horror! I'm overwhelmed by the corruption and lies. I know it isn't the first or last time it's gone on.. It's just SO blatant and uncaring..But most of all it's the LIES ...The fundamental 'Mom Rule'..tell me what you did, good or bad..just DON'T lie to me...is violated first thing every morning, then all day long! It's obscene and driven me and most MSNBCmom's to the edge! We're responsible for raising a generation that has a sense of basic fairness and knows the meaning of Truth. It feels like we've failed on a profound level and don't understand it.
12
Wooo! I didn't know we had a name! MSNBC Mom and proud!
18
I thought I was the only one!
Sadly, it's difficult to talk about our changing political
culture with our family and friends. Our social support systems are becoming profoundly divided. We can't even comment in public, worried that someone will be upset. So we whisper, just like the youth in the Russian Federation.
MSNBC Mom's should run for office.
11
MSNBC is DEFINITELY the Fox News of the left. And this whole article is very silly. Talk about living in a liberal echo chamber!
NOTE: I read and view news from both sides of the political spectrum, including getting much of my international news from BBC America. Slanted news is worth than useless.
7
Your mother must be bored out of her mind. Or maybe she lost a big chunk of gray matter by watching the blah cable channel you're talking about. For a touch of genuine lefty political talk, tune into Amy Goodman's show, Democracy Now, on FreeSpeechTV.org.
6
It's not the MSNBC mom - it's the MSNBC grandma. It's a weird phenomenon. My 87 yo aunt loves MSNBC. The only problem is they are going to give her a heart attack with their relentless "The Nazis are coming! The Nazis are coming!" propaganda.
3
Loved this article.
I saw myself throughout the entire thing. Right down to my republican husband who is definitely changing his tune!
I also love how anchors on MSNBC all generally seem to like each other.
Keep up the great work MSNBC; I feel that you’re fighting for us!
15
MSNBC is not full of outright lies and doesn't insult your intelligence by assuming you will actually believe all their garbage like Fox News does. My friends and associates who watch Fox News regularly are to a person vehemently bigoted and racist and many of them are shameless neo Nazis, or as Trump would call them "good" people.
13
What? No Lawrence? You're all going to bed too early!
Bonus: I double check any new consistent thread of "the topic of the day" by checking the "pages" of the New York Times.
If this topic makes the Home Page there's something going on. If it appears in a Section article it's worth paying attention too. Otherwise it's just stirring the pot.
4
Chris Matthews is probably the most rude person on cable, that is why his name doesn't appear on this column
4
The childlike addiction to propaganda swings both ways.
4
Writing from Europe, where I am living at the moment and reading about Trump's deplorable behavior at the G 7, it makes me feel sad to read about these MSNBC moms, most of whose husbands seem to be retrograde dolts, who voted for the idiot. When will the moment pass--when he destroys the economy and international relations?
3
Nicolle Wallace is not a "Republican". Nicolle Wallace is a fringe, leftist/feminist, crackpot, conspiracy theorist.
1
MSNBC is just as obvious as Fox.
3
I wish MSNBC would bring back Ed Schultz
2
I like playing the Rachel game... you drink a shot of tequila every time she says the word Russia. If you can make it to the half hour mark without passing out , you win!
4
Gaaaaa........why are we so obsessed with such as this and its concomitant cult of personality aspects? Even as back-ground noise filling your day, regardless of your ideological "bent," isn't all of it really not much more than a narcotic? A drug meant to make you passive, and which caters to your fixations?
Turn it off folks. Turn it all off. Go read a book, get involved in your community, plant a garden, do something other than continually engaging the vampire time-sucker that is the whole lot of 'em. Because in the end you will find they mattered not one iota, and you'll also find you have wasted something a whole lot more valuable to your life; time.
John~
American Net'Zen
5
Just image where we'd be without MSNBC!
1
So this is what an echo chamber is like.
2
What about MSNBC dad's? More Katy Tur!
4
Grreat quote: ''MSNBC is not my mom’s only news source ...''
MSLSD is not ANYONE's news source. Just as the reired lady goes there for solace and to get her prejudices reaffirmed would tell us, you never go there to learn new information on any current events.
And unless you need more new curse words, you can mark CNN off your list, too.
The only thing keeping the progressive ''news'' channels and sites open is liberal politics, and the ratings are definitely not CNN's friends.
1
Who says "daytime" is over?
At least All My Children was funny.
1
Whether or is Fox or CNN or MSNBC, watching lots more f cable news will make you stupider. Many have commented elsewhere on the experience of having their parents or grandparents minds kidnapped by Fox. The development of the MSNBC mom is not a positive response.
This is most evident in the fixation with Russia encouraged by MSNBC. Just as Fox channeled conservative frustrations into the conspiratorial thinking of the Birther movement, MSNBC encourages elderly liberals to blame the defeat of the Democrats on Russian meme farms rather than their obvious servility to Wall Street reflected in the imposition of Hillary Clinton as the Democratic nominee — an achievement that MSNBC can take no small amount of the credit for.
The neoliberalism of the Dems made a racist demagogue like Trump viable. We need a genuine left alternative to both Trumpism and Clintonism, but we will never get it if a large swathe of progressives are getting their news from MSNBC.
3
My husband beat me to the NYT this morning. I came home from early church to: "There's an article about you in the NYT Sunday Review Section." My response: "They left out Lawrence!"
From an Okie Mom, where there are lots more just like me in Central Time!
7
How can a piece about MSNBC omit mention of Lawrence O’Donnell? He’s the rock star of the network and has never been shy about using the word “liar” to describe you know who.
3
You can always tell the well-trained Fox-News-haters who have never even found that channel in their area. FNC has about as many liberals as conservatives, and fully hal the people you see there have no discernible political leanings either way.
If you need hours-long ideological instruction on why & how to hate white men, CNN is your place. If you want the wildest assumptions ever, especially about aomeone telling a JOKE. go to NBC's little satellite, MSNBC. (Microsoft dropped its involvement with MSNBC not long after it started.)
If you want conservative takes on the news, try Fox News after dinner time.
If you want straight news without any partisanship except from clearly labeled outside commentators -
- which are half-and-half Red AND blue -
- go to Fox News during the day, from O-dark thirty until 8:00 P.M.
2
The impeachment isn’t happening. I’m sorry to pop the MSNBubbleC as it were.
4
I am sure Joy Reid was left out because of recent events, but besides offering the only non-white opinion on the so called "progressive" network, she is the best journalist on MSNBC. She actually challenges the liars which is why she is so often under attack.
3
The author seems to have left out the most important part of MSNBC: We moms all hate to admit it, but we fall asleep to Brian Williams every night, hating ourselves for loving his guests and hair.
2
The death of America will be linked back to non stop 24 hours news and sports
5
Enough with these articles that attempt to normalize what is going on in this country as per conservatives, liberals and the "voter." This is beyond anything we have seen before and those of us who are not just voters but lifelong activists for human rights, women's advocacy and civil rights see this through a much darker lens that transcends "politics" as we have known it. Being in the mental health field, I knew who this "president" was before he was elected. The fact that no one in our government is speaking out against this man or taking steps to either reign him in or push for removal is downright frightening. Freedom is not about being at the mercy and whims of corporations who fan the flames of their own profits and greed and are able to put a price on my healthcare, my rights to choose, or to live without fear being in public places. This country is being bought and sold under our noses. We had better begin the dialogue from a much different place going forward beyond normalizing this presidency and administration. Our media must begin to question this man like they questioned prior Presidents and stop lobbing him questions about his "gut feelings" and start asking the tough questions about immigration, health care and civil rights. Our Congress men and women better begin to cry foul loudly and at length every time he wants externalize blame elsewhere.
9
I was born during WW II and I not only check in with MSNBC every day but also read several newspapers and political blogs. It's a relief to have commentary that supports my view of Trump, but what is missing is any semblance of a suggestion of a solution. Every time a new Obama era regulation or protection is trashed by this administration, the burden of hopelessness becomes heavier. Where are the leaders with ethics who will do the right thing and stand up to Trump? It's great to have programs that call out Trump's misdeeds and moral void, but all talk is simply that. Where is the actual resistance?
6
I admit I'm a MSNBC Dad. MSNBC is not tha same as FOX. Fox likes to run with Trumps Spin on things. Mika and Joe have put Hillary's feet to the fire during the campaign. Rachael will educate you on things that are on the front pages. Last I looked Nicole Wallace is No bleading heart liberal, just a Clear minded Republician whose show I try to watch often.
3
I'm so happy I don't watch television
3
Me to a T . . . But how did you know know my husband retreats to his IPad!? But despite his not being a cable news fan, we can for the first time in our marriage talk politics. He’s still a Republican, but rapidly anti-Trump. We enjoy watching recorded Colbert monologue each night at dinner. And might I suggest tuning into “Crooked Media’s Pod Save America” podcast while gardening or walking the dog!
4
Ugh, reading this is just so depressing as a progressive. It's bad enough we have Trump, but I think it's even worse to have these MSNBC neoliberal, corporate, establishment types who are responsible for letting Trump win. How? By supporting a corrupt, clueless, out-of-touch, bought Democratic Party that rigged the primary to give us Hillary. She was the only person who Trump could've beaten given how disgusted the electorate was with her.
3
Folks, this is really driving me nuts! So the goal is to find ways to better tolerate the disaster? What exactly is changed if people with time on their hands spend this time absorbing endless media content, chewing it over with like-minded friends, and then leaving it at that??? Turn off your TVs and get involved, volunteer, campaign, run for office… DO SOMETHING ALREADY!
6
Thank you.
1
Also, guilty as charged. My favorite thing to do is, when I've gotten the gist of the story on MSNBC, to switch to Fox and check out their story lines. Never EVER do these two networks talk about the same subjects. One would think that might happen occasionally, beings how they're both supposed to be about news and opinion on current events. MSNBC is non-stop Trump/Mueller Watch while Fox is the mouthpiece of the current administration and acts as if Hillary won -- focused mainly on her and Obama and this IG report I've not heard a word about on MSNBC. (Current favorite scandal name is Moisture-gate because it rhymes with a word that I wonder if Scott is using the product for.)
2
MSNBC and FOX....both sugar highs for close minded Americans.
If you want to know what's important to most Americans, visit the big cities....and the rural towns ( she forgot them and is another reason why she lost ).
Both cable networks have " stars " telling biased news.
CNN is constant Trump bashing. Without Russia I don't know what they would do.
Get off the couch and talk to folks on the street is where the news is.
4
Rachel and Nicolle are my "go to". Thank goodness they are there! They help me stay sane. I love seeing Steve Schmidt, Jill Winebanks, David Jolly, and Jennifer Rubin. Without them, I would be "losing it".... The recent G-7 Summit is just the most recent example. Hearing the president complaining about Canada! Really!? REALLY! MSNBC keeps me thinking positively.
4
Unfortunately, rachel maddow suggested, quite strongly, that voters need not worry if votin gis hard to squeeze into a otherwise bust election day nov 2016 as Trump has zero chance of victory. In fact some did stay home. Yet, like the Clinton's, we giver her a pass. Google her show Nov 8, 2016 and click video.
1
I teach at an urban high school, where I try to infuse political conversation with my kids...mostly about immigration. I help them to register to vote and that the midterms are especially important. I honestly couldn't start my day without Mika and Joe, and end it with Chris and Rachel. Up early? MSNBC shows reruns of the previous night's Brian Williams show, which is surprisingly addictive. I've given up local news, which now seems so boring and repetitive. Thanks to MSNBC, I am able to get through each day, especially when dealing with my Trumpian principal. My secret crush? Steve Schmidt. What a brain!!!!
5
This is what you get with daytime, cable TV.
1
But the MSNBC moms must become more results achievers.
Trump and his monkey army remain unrestrained in the harm and chaos - FOX is still ripping the MSNBC hen house apart.
Evil has still not reached a highwater mark.
Lord, I hate data-free journalism like this. "I went around and asked a few people I know some questions; here are the meaningless results!
2
Omg, that’s me. I’m particularly fond of Rachel and Joy Reid and Nicole has been very forthright. I think they should hire Michael Avenatti too. The young talent like Chris Hayes and Ari Melber are also great and don’t forget Lawrence O Donnell who is a treasure lode of information about how the Congress works.
3
Without Donald Trump MSNBC would be out of business. Liberals tune in every day for their dose of bias affirmation and the need to feel morally superior. If you want the news read newspapers.
1
As an older white male, I’m a fan of MSNBC’s line up of both female and male, Democratic and Republican, smart, measured hosts. Far less “blonde” and hysterical than what is experienced on Fox, the fear network, MSNBC is including terrific journalism from both typical conservative news organizations like the Wall Street Journal to more moderate/lib sources like the NYTimes. But also Politico, Bloomberg, Axios, Mother Jones, etc. Steve Schmidt, Charlie Sykes, George Will, Nicole Wallace -all members of the GOP that realize their party has gone off the rails and put party over country. I’m very appreciative of their coverage in the game of the buffoon in the WH.
4
Hey, I'm all right, Jack.
I'm not worried about my way of life. I'm worried about the many others that Trump is affecting very badly as he tears away at features considered normal in European counties. Universal health care, climate protections, gun controls, etc.
Maddow is a Rhodes Scholar and a lesbian. This article condescends to older women who find common cause with her. The author needs to grow up. Mommy is profoundly right.
1
MSNBC is an echo chamber for the folks looking to feed their anger over the Trump presidency. Anyone with an ounce of objectivity can recognize their biased editorializing of the anything to do with this administration.
1
MSNBC is so far out of touch with the American working class they have become an enemy to everything wholesome and valued in our country. I work 60 hours a week in a factory, Rachel Maddow has never worked a hard day in her life, she is an evil villain to all of us working Americans.
I also worked 60 hours or more as a small business owner. We just sold our business of 11 years and now I get to watch MSNBC and Fox News as much as I want. As an educated woman in business, I can tell you that Trump reminds me every con man who walked in my door. They were full of stories of how they were going to promote my business and increase sales. I gave them $200 for their efforts, never saw any results and NEVER saw them again.
2
I too am an MSNBC MOM. I am tuned to MSNBC whenever I am home. I agree with all the positive comments about Nicole, Rachel, Chris, Chris, Katy, Andrea, & Stephanie. No one has mentioned Lawrence's Last Word , which I wait for every evening. So many off their guests have made an incredible impression as well, specifically Steve Schmidt & MIchel Steele.
5
I have been a MSNBC mom since Joe and Mika began their obvious affair a decade ago, and have not turned the channel since. I must confess, my relationship is a complex one filled with resentment. We can thank Joe and Mika, who did not reveal their close personal relationship with Trump until after the election in the NY Mag feature story, for helping to elect him with their nonstop coverage of the Donald during the 2016 election cycle.
Each morning I would turn on channel 68, first thing and then scream "Show Bernie!" at their program. Bernie had YUGE crowds, had so much integrity, had the adoration of the youth voter, but was second fiddle to J&M’s buddy Trump.
Yet, I still watch the lovebirds even though Mika's holier that thou is very hard to take, because essentially, there is nowhere else to turn.
Just like the choice between Donald & Hillary, its not ideal.
Sad!
1
I'm enjoying all the comments here from like-minded people. I'm pretty confident there are many of us who are terribly embarrassed by Trump and his actions this week leading up to and during the G7 conference. I'm sure it will be even worse in Singapore. He looks and acts like a whiny little brat with his arms crossed and the sneer on his face, who wants his little buddy Vlad there. This has to be a nightmare.
7
Nice feel-good piece for these troubled times for bleeding-hearts. My 90 year-old mom is in the hospital and on her station line-up piece of paper she has a few stations circled and memorized, but one is almost always on when I get there, MSNBC. Mom wants reassurance that it’s not her that’s nuts, it’s the Trumpers, and that’s what she gets from Chris Hayes (who I think she might, just might, think is adorable.) Thank goodness for Rachel Maddow, I’m pretty sure she helps us get to sleep as she explains the madness of the day’s news. The producers at MSNBC have been doing a remarkable job bringing the station into this crazy era we’re in now and capturing its zeitgeist.
3
Count me among the left minority who can't stand the hectoring from Rachael Maddow (or Bernie Sanders for that matter). Liberalism as religion is something gone seriously off the rails.
1
My husband and I definitely suffer from what Margery Eagen (of the Eagen and Braude WGBH Radio show on daily in Boston from 11-2) calls Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS). The Syndrome is not curable-yet. The cure may come in stages, with the Democrats getting their act together and taking control of at least the House in November. But a complete cure will not come until 2020 when we elect a Democratic President. Since TDS can be exhausting, we decided not to turn on MSNBC until 4 PM to watch Nicole; then we sometimes watch the remaining line-up, although we rarely miss Hardball. Of course, 10 PM breaking news, means the 11the Hour with Brian Williams. Happily, we are not alone in this. We do encourage everyone to tune into Eagen and Braude on WGBH-they discuss serious topics, but also go light-which all of us need.
1
Oh my, that's me she is writing about!! After reading some of the comments I realize I am not alone. Many of us 'older' women (and men) wonder if we will live long enough to see Trump out of office and character, civility and intelligence hopefully return to the White House. Everything seems more complicated and we are hungry for clarity and help in finding truth in the chaos that surrounds us. Sadly, destruction of people and truth is something Trump is good at while we are all diminished by him. Oh how I miss President Obama!
11
I cannot imagine my retirement without MSNBC (albeit via podcast & youtube as I can't afford TV). Most of the (overwhelmingly female) Resistance activists I know are also "MSNBC moms." Equating Fox News with MSNBC, with its mainly middle-of-the-road anchors (eg, Chris Matthews) and numerous Republican guests, is false equivalency. However, I was surprised to find no coverage of the business finance lawsuit against Michael Avenatti; I don't want to think that the network I trust practices censorship, however minor...so PLEASE someone tell me if that story was in fact mentioned on MSNBC.
Yes it was covered by MSNBC, right on the heels of the story breaking. Avenatti was asked by the male host, maybe Ari Melber but I'm not sure. He was defensive but explained the situation and relationship with his firm.
2
I can't believe I have found a community of kindred spirits who watch MSNBC and feel like the commentators are part of the extended family! MSNBC has been a haven of sanity, civility and credibility. Following TRMS and the Russia links to the White House, which have only spooled more tightly, is more exciting than a prime time spy thriller. The journalists are incredible as they build a credible narrative of the White House’s antics, threading a needle of context of relevant events. Listeners are not awash in the moment; Rachel builds the momentum of the story using events, facts and analysis. My goodness, doesn’t everyone see Trump’s ties to Putin? Just yesterday he urged the G7 to readmit Russia! The breadcrumbs are there, as Rachel reveals.
Anyway, I work from home, drop in during the day and listen to Chuck Todd, then tune in, after a break from PBS news, to Chris Hayes, Chris Matthews, and the highlights--Rachel and Lawrence. Occasionally I do need to detox from Trumpworld, to distance myself from the minute-to-minute overreaction to the White House’s latest absurdity or scandal. I do believe, however, that creating a media echo chamber for Trump is part of his playbook of domination, and that MSNBC needs to find a strategy to out-Trump Trump by being less reactive and more proactive in what the network covers.
2
I’m a proud MSNBC mom and I knock on doors, raise money for Democrats, make phone calls, House field organizers, attend fundraisers, listen to Pod Saves everything because if I don’t who will? And I remember Nixon and it was a terrible time for our country. And I want my children and grandchildren to live in a healthy Democracy. So hurray for MSNBC moms and their kids who write articles about them! So raise your glass to Rachel and her friends and register your neighbors and vote. Smiley face.
6
I told my husband today that I might have to give up my MSNBC addiction. It occurred to me that listening to trump's incessant hate-blathering (especially these last 2 mornings) was ADDING to, rather than easing, my crippling depression.
I live a rather isolated life, and MSNBC has been my link to sanity in an era of insanity. It has helped me feel connected to a world I find increasingly distressing and mean.
The folks of MSNBC are MY TRIBE. I need them. I am so grateful for them. I think I will keep watching afterall…..
5
The author misses the point. It was not Fox News which gave birth to President Trump. This media manufactured Frankenstein was created by his "enemies" over at CNN and MSNBC who found him endlessly amusing and "great for business". Like Frankenstein, they screamed gleefully "It's Alive!" and watched ratings soar. What they did not bank on however was that this monster, breaking free from its shackles and terrorizing the countryside, was greeted with cheers from the torch and pitchfork carrying townsfolk. That is the real horror story which needs telling.
5
Our Brownstone Brooklyn is rather less bubbly than Ms. Stoeffel's, and we know many of of neighbors.
1
I can't stand to watch MSNBC due to the seemingly-endless coverage of President Trump. I feel the same way about CNN, although they seem to have more-balanced (endless) coverage of The Donald. I've tried Fox News, but that was even worse (in the opposite direction, of course).
I wish that MSNBC could have short sessions with experts who dissect the latest ridiculous Trumpism -- so we'll be aware of the current idiocity -- then move on to news that's groundbreaking.
3
Am I the only one who sees a reliance on verifiable facts (as opposed to appeals to emotions, buttressed by selective use of anecdotes) as one of the main differences between MSNBC and Fox?
Maybe that's because I've been a Maddow fan for a about a decade now, and so my opinion is based mostly on analysis of her show as opposed to the network as a whole. To be honest, the thinly veiled partisanship and increasing mean-spirited type of commentary drives me to CNN for most of the day. But Maddow, and to a lesser extent Chris Hayes and others, draw me back at night.
Sure, even at night there's bias in other forms, such as selectively reporting stories that fit the anti-Trump narrative - and I did hate it when Maddow fawned deferentially over partisan figures in the last election - but how can you not love the most anti-fake news programming on cable simply for the blessed relief of being presented with a logical analysis of FACTS (not only current facts, but their historical context).
My one caveat is, we shouldn't simply "worry" about being in an echo chamber - we should actively fight it. Your remote is your friend, so use it now and then. Fox still has Shep, CNN has multiple serious commentators. My aim is not really to listen to "all sides", but to strongly resist being shoved into an ideological box, and to side with the facts (and logic), wherever/whatever they may be.
1
There were kernels of truth in this article, but it was belabored, was too cute by half, and did no favors to the hardworking MSNBC commentators and analysts. Not that there isn’t room for improvement. Chris Matthews is running on empty, with an occasional insight. Rachel Maddow, while substantively strong, seems to assume her viewers are low information voters. And Brian Williams? MSBNC can do far better at the end of the day. The others, especially Lawrence O’Donnell, are treasures.
What about the 20% of American women who don't give birth, many of whom are childfree by choice? We watch MSNBC, too. It's not empowering to women to conflate "women" and "moms" and make 1 in 5 women's lives invisible by implication.
5
I would note there's one major difference between the MSNBC moms of today and the Fox viewers during the Obama years. Fox provided the single TV network outlet for conservative news and commentary - it was a lifeline of sorts. Liberal moms choosing MSNBC have a choice between all three traditional networks, plus CNN, plus daytime TV (The View for example) and all the late night shows (Kimmel, Colbert). They choose MSNBC because it it more extreme, a more primal scream - it says what people generally don't say in polite company, like Nicolle Wallace's comment that Ivanka and Melania are likely dead inside.
Many terrific MSNBC contributors-must single out Malcolm Nance.Always brings thoughtful, in depth comments to the table- brilliant analytical mind!
1
I've become a big fan of Katy Tur, Brian Williams, Chris Matthews, et al since Nov 2016. The only silver lining since then is the excellent journalism these scary times have created. But remember, MSNBC, NYTimes, WAPO, and cathartic podcasts won't automatically take back the House. So VOTE!
2
You left out Lawrence O'Donnell. He is the best of them all!
Guilty as charged! I add my podcast of The West Wing Weekly that I listen to as I go to sleep. It is my hopeful wish we can find a progressive for 2020 to minimize the damage being done to this country.
For her sanity and a dose of reality, I suggest she change the channel. Or read a book.
At least she doesn’t watch the unwatchable CNN.
1
Thanks for writing this! This is me!
1
Guilty as charged! MSNBC is on in background mode almost all day. I like some programs more than others, but am bothered by their repetitve nature as each show repeats the latest outrage and brings on a different set of “expert opinionaters” to provide their spin.
2
I used to watch "Morning Joe" religiously until the show became nothing but a 3 hour diatribe about Trump. I am so sick of hearing about Trump I hardly ever watch "Morning Joe" except when they are talking about someone or something other than Trump. I am no Trump supporter at all but I have had it with MSNBC. As soon as Trump is gone, I'll go back to watching MSNBC.
2
I love watching Rachel and Nicolle. The make feel sane in this insane political situation. Steve Schmidt, Jennifer Rubin, Malcolm Nance, Jill Winebanks are voices of reality and therefore, of hope.
2
I’m an MSNBC Mom to two apartment dogs. Our must-see lineup is Ari, Rachel, Lawrence and Brian. I also enjoy Nicole Wallace, Mika and Joe (who talks over others a bit much).
IMHO, MSNBC wins out over CNN because they’ve done a much better job in their expert guest lineup. Steve Schmidt delivers the best insights. Period. I also wish they’d make a show featuring some deep Maddow-style drill-down on legal political topics by Jill Wine-Banks, Joyce Vance and Barbara McQuade combined. Steve Kornacki (aka “K-Nack” around here) does the best job of breaking down and then synthesizing local election results that’ll influence the eventual midterms.
For fun, I recommend the Melber show just to catch the one or two smart (senior, starchy white guy-type) lawyers a week who try to trade rap metaphors with Ari. They’re usually way out of their depth, stammering out the words dad-style. But in addition to their expert contributions, just the fact that they even try to go there makes me give them props... while I’m cracking up.
News flash: MSNBC moms are the ones who ARE the most engaged, confident, and uncompromising. It's the daughters (and sons) we need to get active, get out there, and VOTE. Who, after all, shows up at the polls and who does not?
If Dem women, people of color, and young people VOTED, we would have control of Congress and the presidency.
MSNBC is terrible. Hour and hours of senseless commentary on stormy Daniels. We could be under nuclear attack and they wouldn’t stop talking about stormy Daniels
1
It’s not just women- it’s men too who view the anchors almost as their friends. A little strange for a PBS viewer. Most MSNBC shows could be 15 or 30 min.
1
Not living in the middle of Trumpland, I am still with you on watching the MSNBC lineup, sometimes from beginning to end. I only hope that it can be a counterweight to FAUX NEWS (Fox News).
I laughed at myself as I read your comment aloud to my husband. I inadvertently made a slip with the sentence:
"Living in the middle of Trumpland ... replacing Trumpland with the word I subconsciously coined: TRAMPLE-LAND".
Living in a Blue state, compared with the whole of the USA, sometimes seems as if I've already moved to another country. I hope more of the Red state citizens will wake up before its too late, understand what is going on behind the scenes, and vote the Republicans out of office before its too late ... taking a stand against the travesty that is this Trump administration.
1
Like many of your readers I am of a certain old age and hoping too that I live long enough to see the Mayor of Mara Lago consigned to the historical dustbin.
4
I stopped watching TV about half a century ago. Cable news? Twitter? Facebook? You've got to be kidding. What we didn't understand was that we were going to grow old and die and the Millenials tend not to understand that either. This article is not relevant to the likes of someone who doesn't watch TV and who's not into social media. I'd rather be a human and not a lemming.
2
In spite of the one paragraph in the middle about Nicole Wallace, this column perpetuates the myth that MSNBC is promulgating a Progressive agenda. Whatever it may have been before The Donald announced his candidacy, MSNBC spends very little time on Liberal, much less Progressive views. It is now just the Anti-Trump channel. Left-leaning hosts and frequent guests are probably a minority.
A large percentage of the hosts and frequent guests are Republicans and/or Conservatives whose reason for being on MSNBC is that they're some flavor of Never-Trumpers. Here is a list: Joe Scarborough, Nicole Wallace, Michael Steele, Jennifer Rubin, Elise Jordan, Steve Schmidt, Bret Stephens, Charlie Sykes, Bill Kristol, David Frum, John Podhorest, Peggy Noonan, Evan McMullin, and David Jolly. Hugh Hewitt, although somewhat rational, is not even anti Trump. Andrea Mitchell is certainly not a Progressive, and it's a stretch to classify her as Liberal; married to Alan Greenspan, she's a member of the Establishment.
Even the left-leaning hosts and guests tend to be Liberal and rarely Progressive, i.e., they're at most center-left. Chris Hayes may be the one exception, but these days he keeps his Progressive views somewhat muted. His ex-boss at the Nation, Katrina vanden Heuvel, who used to be a frequent guest on his show, now rarely appears. Same for Sam Seder. The type of Liberalism that gets air time is what is now called Neo-Liberalism.
4
Also one of the retired Moms (and Grandmoms!) who faithfully watch MSNBC. A big shout-out for Brian Williams who consistently features expert guests offering pointed commentary. I tape the show as it's on too late and know I'm better-informed because of it.
1
And what about Lawrence O'Donnell?
He's the best of the lot.
I love the ways his eyes narrow with that glint of triumphant superiority when he talks about Trump. I go to bed happy after I've watched Lawrence...and then wake up unhappy when I read the headlines and see that the impeachment hasn't yet taken place.
Keep on keeping on, L O'D.
Warmest best from a babyboomer fan.
4
As a senior leftie on the left coast, I watch Rachel with my husband every evening at six, and if we're not available at six we watch her at nine. This is a routine we've developed since January 20, 2017.
I enjoyed the article because I too am a liberal woman who is retired, in my case from a career in education. I am also an avid viewer of MSNBC. I have one point of contention to make with the author: Where is discussion of Lawrence O’Donnell and his 10 PM show “The Last Word”? Lawrence is certainly an equal participant in the ratings boom of the network. As for his popularity, ask CEO Andrew Lack about the response of Lawrence’s viewer base when he recently attempted to move Brian Williams into the 10 PM time slot. Lawrence may not be a favorite of the author’s mother, but he certainly deserves mention in any comprehensive review of the success of MSNBC.
2
I'm an MSNBC retiree watcher too. ( although I enjoy Katie Tur as well as Rachel) coming from a mixed marriage too ( hubby is a Fox News guy although he can't stand Trump)
I cannot see my life sitting around watching soap operas and shopping, like so many of my friends are doing now. As much as I cannot stand Donald Trump, I have to give him credit for inspiring me to get out there, and be politically active for the first time in my life. (Although I have voted in every election since I was eligible to vote.)
I volunteered for a local Congressional candidate, (she lost unfortunately, but I will work for the opponent that won against our lemming Republican incumbent) and more importantly, I volunteered with a group of people trying to get other people to actually get out to vote. We all complain, but it's pathetic how low our voter turnout is.
That is why we have this uneducated, photo seeking, phoney carnival barker as a President. We need to change that, and MSNBC and CNN is helping us become more educated.
I keep telling people that you can't watch the news, you have to read it. That said, I watch MSNBC too! But only after reading all about the news, primarily NYT and WAPO. What's shocking to me is that nearly every single red-state conservative I know only watches or listens to the news but never reads it; which I noticed was the case long before it came popular to beat up on the papers of record or the MSM. It might just be my experience, but it seems conservatives rarely read at all, not even novels.
2
I turn on MSNBC often just to make sure I haven’t lost my mind. So many super guests I can’t name them all. You know, like Joyce Vance, Malcom Nance, Chuck Rosenburg, etc.
"What is the difference between MSNBC and Fox News?
In response, I heard that Fox News is chaotic, reflecting a moral vacuum among Republicans. MSNBC anchors, however biased, approach debate from a more coherent ideological stance."
This quote from the article really says it all: Lefties see the different voices on Fox (including Shep Smith, whose visceral hatred of Trump is on constant display) as being "chaotic" and they are looking for " a more coherent ideological stance." Another word for such people is "sheeple" -- people who only want to hear one side of any argument, that is "their" side, unvarnished by any contradictory thought.
I'm not necessarily proud to admit this, but the MSNBC logo from the lower right corner of the screen is literally burned into my television screen, even when I (on the rare occasion) watch another channel.
The reason I like MSNBC so much is that their journalists are educated in various fields besides journalism. Rachel has a PhD in political science. Ari and Larry are Harvard and Cornell educated lawyers who actually practiced at top law firms. Chris Matthews had experience as a legislative assistant. CNN doesn’t compare with the level of intellectualism of their anchors. Plus I can’t stand the CNN talking heads in boxes. They are so combative, always talking over each other.
3
Ms. STOEFFEL doesn't seem to see much difference between Fox and MSNBC. But there is a huge difference. MSNBC weeknight anchors are usually quite scrupulous with facts. Their story selection and most of their guests are liberal (sometimes tiresomely so) but they do not routinely indulge in distortion. The case in point is the contrast between Maddow, who often asks her guests if she has gotten anything wrong in her summaries of the news about an issue, and her time slot competitor, Hannity, who pushed the Seth Rich conspiracy theory, pushes Spygate, and cuts off guests who attempt to contradict him. It is intellectually lazy to see MSNBC as a politically left Fox.
6
The article does not address the fact that the alternative at CNN at 6:00 a.m. is watching Alisyn make a travesty of any female who ever had any respect for herself or anyone else. At the very least Morning Joe brings along some interesting guests. Although Joe himself is way beyond what Alisyn can possibly accomplish in his presentation of the SOUTHERN MALE side of every discussion, Willie Geist and frequently others of common sense and ability carry the day. Mika is a slave to any camera.
This article reeks of condescension. What I hear is something along these lines: "Isn't it cute how my mom watches TV all day long to make herself feel less politically and socially isolated." She could be talking about a child's newest developmental phase.
And then she concludes with some unrelated pablum about a hopeful future where (older?) moms become "more confident and less compromising." That's both a dig (implying her mom and her wine-drinking MSNBC-watching demographic group do not possess these qualities) and a way for the author to retrofit the article with a higher purpose.
There's also an implied equivalence here to a FOX news watcher. Same coin, different side. Both are afraid to peek over the curtain to see what's going on on the other side. Both are intellectually incurious.
2
Marie, thank you, you said it. Many of these "cutesy" women to whom she refers were forged in the fires of Kennedy, King, Kennedy assassinations; second-wave feminism; Vietnam; race riots; Kent State; and Nixon.
1
Love this article, but (or and) you have (even) included my kids' eye-rolling accusation that I am watching Rachel and company to hear my own (left-leaning) views repeated back to me (more coherently than I could articulate them). That's where I take umbrage, kids. I am NOT listening for point-of-view. Indeed, my least favorite shows are those showcasing talking heads. Rather, I am listening for the news. I learn about the wrenching of immigrant kids from their parents, the strange connections made in Cyprus, Russia, China, Mar-a-Lago, the craziness of Carter Page's (Trump's PhD advisor) entanglement in Russia, the gutting of expertise in the government, and the other horrors that have become ordinary news. My more politically moderate husband returns home on the train having read the NY Times and the Wall Street Journal, and while he too expects me to be in a liberal echo chamber, he learns from me more than he has read in the morning newspapers.
I do, however, confess that the barrage of dizzying and sickening news has taken it's toll on me over the last year and a half. Now, on Monday nights, I give myself a break and turn to the Bachelorette. It's my guilty (and mind-numbing) pleasure. But then, instead of going to bed, the Rachel addict in me kicks in, and at midnight I reluctantly give in to my craving to hear one of the most intelligent newscasters in the business. Thank you, Rachel!
3
I'm a 73 year old, retired professional woman, widow, mother, grandmother. My closest friends of many years are spread out across the US in several time zones. It is not uncommon for two or three of us to Skype or Facetime during Rachel Maddow's show, with our wine in hand. Some of these women used to be Republicans, before Trump won the GOP primary. They have all re-registered as Democrats.
2
I am this mom. Down to reading Twitter then watching TV for balance. Great opinion piece. Made my Sunday morning.
1
As an MSNBC mom myself, I think Nicolle Wallace is the superstar of MSNBC. If she was on in the morning or evening rather than afternoon, I think there would be even more MSNBC moms. Dads too. Smart, thoughtful, tough and funny with great guests.
My husband and I wake up to Morning Joe from our home in Los Angeles, turn it back on while having or preparing dinner ( if we aren’t going out) and keep it on until Brian William finishes at 9pm. The political circus we are trying to endure somehow seems more manageable by listening to Rachel, Ari, Chris, Laurence, Joy and Brian, etc. We have come to know all of their guests like old friends- frequently we will remark to one another - “ oh I like him/her, as we listen avidly trying to find some solace from their analysis. Never have we loathed a president and his complicit party as much as we this one !
9
Thank goodness for MSNBC, and especially for Rachel Maddow's intelligent, well-researched, and intelligent reporting. MSNBC is not our only source of news- my husband and I also read the NYTimes, and the Washington Post every day, but MSNBC provides us with some solace from the daily drumbeat of this administration's corruption, incompetence, and cruelty, and from the Republican party's complicity in looking the other way.
13
I feel for my mother (who turns 90 today) who has had to endure the hourly outrage that is Donald Trump after a lifetime of political engagement. MSNBC has been a lifeline for her and I am greatful that she has it.
16
It sounds like your mom is spending way too much time watching TV for her mental health, especially watching one of the perpetual outrage machines. If it's her first year of retirement, or she has health issues, she gets slack. But if not, she needs to turn off the TV and go outside and spend time with friends, volunteering, and finding her next path. Her purpose for life is much higher than watching talking heads on TV. And what happens at a friend's daughter's wedding is infinitely more important than the hyperventilation de jour.
16
No, I disagree. There is no higher purpose than saving the country you love, a constitutional democracy, from a corrupt and compromised dictator-in-waiting. I realize there are a whole lot of people who think as long as they have food on the table, gas in the truck, and a football game to watch, all is good with the world. I'm hoping there are more like Lee's mother, who are horrified and do not turn off the TV.
1
Two things.
First, Ms. Stoeffel must not have watched, say, "Fox and Friends" for even five minutes. No, make that ten seconds. Not that I'd blame her! But say she had - it would have been impossible for her to muse publicly about the similarities between the Murdoch-controlled Trump propaganda machine, and MSNBC reality-check discussions.
Second, her conclusion is quite maddening:
"And it excited me to consider what Democratic slates might look like if a generation of MSNBC moms were more engaged, more confident and less compromising."
Gosh, I wonder what those states would be like if voters under forty had followed such cogent advice as well?
18
I feel grateful to Nicolle, Chuck, Ari, Chris M., Chris H., Rachel, Lawrence and Brian: They are my dear friends who bravely face the horror of it all every weekday and then report it to me in a intelligent and humane way providing history, context and connections to help me understand the dire straits we are in and to empower me to continue to resist.
34
I grew up in DC beltway politics between a pro-business republican parent and one who espoused liberal union views from time in government. On top of that were teachers who encouraged me to get out and join the campaign trail to encourage civic mindedness, the yammerings of 90s cable news, Fox or CNN back then (depending on the parental source), and, gasp, Dr. Laura on the car radio. By the time I arrived in my Philadelphia area college, it was a welcome reprieve from the intense political bubble and constant wonkiness. Even though I'm back in the beltway, I still can't stand to watch cable news and don't own a television. The one time I watched Mika and Joe while out of town one morning, I had to turn it off. I understand MSNBC may be the preferred choice nowadays, but the media of my 90s childhood and growing up where I did was enough for a life time. Now, I take solace in the PBS Newshour podcast or online newspapers.
8
I thought it was only my mom! Unite children of MSNBC mothers! Thanks for this piece, it illustrated a cultural phenomenon I’ve been watching unfold. The poltical engagement of many white, affluent, boomer women in the age of Teump is fascinating. As a younger mom, I wonder if I my political engagement will follow a similar trajectory. Probably not. I’d put the current media info wars on the long list of things that millennial will ruin, thank goodness.
5
WORD.
I’m an MSNBC fan but not a mom. I am excited women are finding their outrage. It has been a long time coming. Three cheers for Mika, Nicolle, Rachel, Joy, Andrea and all the rest! I love them all. Oh yeah, and the guys too.
17
Let’s start out with one common fact about all media organizations they are for profit business entities whose business model is to attract and maintain your attention and sell some of it to thirds parties in an attempt to influence future economic transactions on your part. Their product is infotainment not dissemination of factual statements about current events. Given the saturation of competition in the market the media organizations have gone with a niche market approach. Fox went conservative and most of the other major media organizations went liberal. I suspect after a market demographics study of population centers. The sad thing is that a news organization such as NBC or any other should not need to have a political director nor should it blend news with editorial commenting. Unfortunately, they all do. Finally, Trump was a creation of a multitude of liberal policies including identify politics, weak foreign / economic policy (Dems & Reps) and failed economic policies on health care, regulation and taxes in general. Trump did not create the current political climate, he just campaigned in away that was most responsive in addressing it. Hillary was going to be more of the same plus corruption that is why she did not energize her voters and lost.
7
I am so glad I am not alone and there are so many of you out there. If we all do a little work on the local level to get out the vote and go out and vote ourselves we can turn this mess around. It may not be great for MSNBC but we can get in with our lives. On the other hand I may need a 12 step program to overcome my addiction to MSNBC. Unless we get to have Open Congressional hearings after November then I should be good for another year or so.
15
I'm glad this 65 year old is among good company. I have a not so secret crush on Rachel Maddow, I tolerate Joe and Mika in the morning, and tune in all through the day up till midnight when Brian Williams signs off.
18
Like me, the writer's mom and so many commenters could not have imagined our country (and the world) would have been debased and in peril as it now stands. We realize that is people our age, who lived through Nixon, some of whom were affected deeply by the Vietnam war--it is our cohort who bears responsibility for this mess. Watching MSNBC is not at all joyful or enriching, but excruciating. That is why I have scaled down consumption of that and other news outlets. The narratives are all about white males behaving badly, to the point of committing child abuse at our borders. I am glad the writer got the opportunity to have her essay published in the Times, but her thesis shows a glib indifference to the real destruction occurring daily.
10
I, too, am an MSNBC mom. It comforts me to watch the anchors who are aghast at the outrageous and disrespectful behavior of the leader of the free world. I have learned (the hard way) to not mention him by name in public, or even the word "politics", which gave a group I was dining with a start (to say the least) when I said it in reference to my first college major (I am a scientist--not the political kind, the biology kind). MSNBC gives me a chance to at least LISTEN to like-minded people because I have no one in my world to discuss what is happening (other than occasionally with my husband, but he tires of it more quickly).
Since the election, I have lost (so-called) friends (yes, that's plural), and am miserable in my job, where I am surrounded by conservatives who are not able to debate or discuss anything with civility. If I wasn't able to watch Nicole and Lawrence, and occasionally see some favorite contributors like Steve Schmidt, Jon Meacham, John Brennan, and Clint Watts I don't know what I would do.
Thank you for this article! And...Steve Schmidt for President!!
54
I share your Steve Schmidt fandom. I love his impassioned speeches against the monster in the white house and hearing him and his fellow Republican Nicole Wallace rail on him gives me the comfort I crave. Funny how I fit the MSNBC mom demographic to a T.
1
I know plenty of people who are in love with Rachel Maddow, my brother in law, my doctor, and myself....we all love her! And Richard Engle - what a superstar. My husband and I have followed him on NBC news for years and now on his Special Assignment series. We worry about his safety as if he were one of our own sons. He is an amazing reporter and goes to places no one else can or wants to go to, especially being multi-lingual. Kudos to the entire team at NBC and MSNBC.
36
Dear Kat:
You "hit the nail on the head for me" as a Baby Boomer watcher of MSNBC since the Trump election. In the 70s I nursed my daughter while watching the Watergate hearings and now I am spending a lot more time than I should watching MSNBC. I live alone so no one is around to monitor or criticize. Thanks for this.
Kathleen
41
It is interesting reading the posts here - quite stereotypical. Many angrily claim that MSNBC is not an extreme left-wing source. To these people - go abroad and see what left-wing TV is like; MSNBC comes pretty close. The difference - it's also vey fringe liberal. For those who say Fox isn't right-wing; it is pretty close to that, and is very conservative. Finally, for those who say they want to move Canada - please go.
17
Hardly. FYI back in 2016 a new more conservative programmer was hired for MSNBC. His goal was to get rid of the few remaining progressive hosts left. He also wanted to make the network more conservative. But a funny thing happened on the way to the forum. Trump was elected. The conservatives he hired like Gretchen Carlson tanked and the progressives ratings increased. Remember they are owned by Comcast. Not exactly a bastion of liberalism.
1
I am an MSNBC mom, for sure. It is interesting to note, however, that I when I talk with my 30-something son and my 89 year old father, our conversations frequently begin with “What did you think of Rachel’s show last night?” We are all big fans who appreciate her analytical approach to the topics she covers in depth. I have an absolute crush on Chuck Todd and Brian Williams who always ask the questions I would ask. I am also a fan of Pod Save America which my son put me onto and I read the NYT, Wash Post and Tampa Bay Times daily, not to mention odds and ends that pop up on Facebook.
Yes, most lean to the liberal but I honestly believe their reporting is fact based.
18
What MSNBC doesn't do and should. Devote at least a one-half hour show per day, run it a few times, that informs citizens of what legislation, policy, etc. are emanating from the White House and both parties in Congress.
I'll praise our CBC, they are excellent on "policy" with explanation, examination, subject matter experts, etc. And if you are interested in facts and why trump's statements on trade and tariffs are substance-free, knowledge-free tantrums, CBC is the place to go.
14
MSNBC used to be a fun source for critiques of Republican excess. Rachel Maddow provided real insights unavailable elsewhere. Joe and Mikka made for lively morning television. Then things went south in a hurry, starting with the dismissals and downright undermining of the alternative presidential primary candidates (Bernie, Gary Johnson, Jill Stein) later the non stop Russia obsession. Now the most fun thing about the Rachel Maddow show is using a stop watch to see how long it takes her to say "Russia" on any given night. Joe and Mikka upset the whole dynamic of the show by getting hitched to each other. Their one cogent analyst, Mark Halperin, had to be banished as a result of Me Too. The once no go area of Fox News is now must see for Tucker Carlson.
9
Gary Johnson and Jill Stein gave us Trump, so they deserve whatever they get. The Republicans' vote almost NEVER gets split, and I give them credit for realizing this. A viable third party, which many demand we have, would mean we'd have republicans in power for generations to come
7
That is true up to a point. However it ultimately was Bernie Sanders convincing a lot of the low knowledge youth that somehow they were being self righteous and pure in withholding a vote for Hillary. I can't even look at Bernie Sanders these days. And MSNBC's being overjoyed at a whole new group of Watchers did not play its part properly in showing how unrealistic his promises were, and what an empty suit. They did not want to alienate Bernie supporters any more than Hillary did, and we see what that brought to the country. So even though I am addicted to MSNBC I am not letting them off the hook. And Joe and Mika were the worst offenders.
Hillary gave us Trump
As a spinster, I find it amusing (and occasionally twisted) that on many days John Heilman is the first man I see in the morning (Morning Joe) and the last man I see at night (11th Hour with Brian Williams).
29
I'm a middle-aged woman and as horrified by Trump as anybody, but I just loathe commercial television and all the breathless cliffhangers. (I've never felt more duped than when I fell for the hype about the Big Trump Tax Return Reveal and tuned into Rachel Maddow's show.) Somehow I've survived all this time without MSNBC - just NPR, the Times and Post, and PBS NewsHour for me, along with supplementation from The Guardian, The New Yorker, and The Atlantic, among other great publications. And, of course, Slate podcasts - The Political Gabfest and Trumpcast!
13
I'm a 30 something who's right there with you! NPR, PBS, NYT get me through my day. Growing up in DC probably instensified my dislike of my political commentary on television top of everyone else always talking (or nowadays) fighting about it. I'm glad MSNBC is a platform for the moms, grandma, aunts out there though, mine included!
1
Wonderful article. Describes my step mom’s daily political information schedule to a T. All of us who worry and care deeply for our democracy’s institutions and values should stay informed; MSNBC allows us to do so.
But you know what we need to do in addition? Get out into the world every day and do something to shore up our institutions!
Volunteer on a political campaign; write our congressperson; sign a petition; plant street trees; deliver meals to shut-ins; tutor a struggling student; sit on citizen advisory committees for pedestrian and bicyclist safety; join a service organization; donate to the ACLU and Planned Parenthood and the National Resources Defense Fund etc; build a hiking trail or Habitat for Humanity house; host a refugee; house an itinerant campaign worker; attend a city council meeting or protest rally; and treat everyone we engage with each day with courtesy, respect, and patience.
17
MSNBC is my default background music as I'm retired and home most of the time. When I worked, I started the day with Joe and Mika and then came home to Chris Matthews. Now, with the Trump carnage, I am drawn to daily coverage like I was with the Watergate hearings and the first OJ trial. I don't want to miss anything when events are moving so fast. Or too slow (please hurry, Mr. Mueller) for my liking.
Nicolle Wallace is the absolute best with her White House and campaign experience. Steve Schmidt is also a favorite and Nicolle's regulars are particularly interesting. But there are so many talented hosts and contributors, particularly NY Times and WaPo staff, that I can check in anytime for interesting conversation. I also like CNN for news but it doesn't have that same home/familiarity feeling for me.
25
I guess this would describe me except for the MSNBC part. I listen to NPR instead. In the evening I watch the Daily Show, Stephen Colbert, and Seth Meyers. They often give me good ideas for my weekly protest sign, along with the stellar NYT comments.
12
Morning Joe brings different voices to the table — Senators and Representatives from both sides of the aisle, political analysts with different views, and they also have a sense of humor. It is a discussion and never becomes a slug fest. NIcolle Wallace’s humorous take on the Trump administration is a breath of fresh air. She also brings people with varied viewpoints on her show. Rachel Maddow definitely leans left but I learn a lot because she explains things about government and corporate policy in great detail. I am a retired librarian and a skeptic so I don’t take anything at face value. If something doesn’t sound right, I search print sources. I have always liked CNN but get very exasperated because they bring people from the crazy wings of both parties and it becomes a slugfest. MSNBC is my go to channel. It keeps me sane.
22
When I'm home at night, the cat and I have MSNBC on, muted, while we're streaming music and reading. I need the distractions because the news, straight up, is overwhelming and makes me angry and frustrated. The cat likes Ari for the coolness and the hip hop references, and Rachel is my girl crush. Joy on weekends.
21
I sit down and Nicolle Wallace says, "Hi everybody I'm Nicolle Wallace. It's 4 o'clock in Washington and I am here with my best friends and the very best journalists and the smartest people I know." And she laughs and I am one of her best friends and I laugh and she asks the questions I would ask of the very smartest people and we all have a great time.
40
I must admit to being one of the MSNBC Moms. My Millennial daughter has turned to Hulu, Amazon, and Netflex to avoid MSNBC. My husband retreats to Cops when the cable news becomes to much. My husband says it reminds him of his Grandfather's visit during the summer of the Watergate hearings. His grandfather, a law professor at Fordham, was glued to the hearings providing a play by play of the events to his less than interested grandchildren.
11
I'm not as keen on MSNBC as I was before the last presidential election when I began to notice that diversity of liberal/progressive/Democratic opinion began disappearing.
During the 2008 campaign, Dems had 3 competing candidates, and the coverage of their campaigns was dynamic; I never got the feeling that commentators were stumping for anyone, which made for thought-provoking broadcasts, and showed respect for the process and my ability to evaluate.
That changed during the last disastrous election. The commentators adopted what seemed to me a kind of jeering tone toward Democratic candidates who were attempting to compete with HC (not only, but especially, Sanders. ) It was as if ideological differences w/i the party were embarrassing (traditionally, a Republican, NOT a Democratic notion). It made me uncomfortable and, for the first time, suspicious of that news outlet.
It's comforting to hear my own opinions of DT voiced on national television, but with so many programs, it would behoove MSNBC to offer one or two in primetime that honestly examine the scope of ideas on the left side of the spectrum.
Especially now, with upcoming elections, I hope that they resist dealing w the "mainstream" and "progressive" as pkged "sides" we have to choose between, but rather examine individual ideas thoughtfully. That kind of discussion is hard to come by, and it could lead the way to a united, creative party. They have a responsibility to use their power wisely.
13
The love expressed in all the commentary from this article is so uplifting.
More articles that delight are absolutely necessary with what is happening in the news today.
Thanks everyone for all your supportive comments on MSNBC.
22
Not a mom, nor ever wanted to be but I am an MSNBC WOMAN through and through.
I didn't come to MSNBC with Trump but with a one-time life in Missouri. As a liberal Mexican-American LA native, I mistakenly followed my partner there for his job. I was shell-shocked by the provinciality and redness of it all. I was home daily during the time of Chris Matthews's show when I stumbled upon him and felt like a sane liberal lifeline was thrown to me just when I needed it. This was during what I then thought was the disaster of the Bush administration. Pfft, little did I know.
After divorce liberated me to return to California, MSNBC was just an occasional dalliance while I got news from a broad range of media sources. The exception was elections when I'd watch cable news for its immediacy. That's when I discovered Rachel (love her!) and the others. But when 2016 happened, my news diet quickly followed the path of the "mom" of this article.
Often the daily trauma is too much and I disconnect from everything. But I'm so worried MSNBC will lose its liberal leanings because of low ratings that I'll leave the cable box set to it and left on all day with the television turned off. But on those days I can cope, I start my MSNBC afternoon not with a glass of Northern California wine but in a more classically Southern California manner with a bowl of the state's finest greenery. These days I need the chill more than ever once Chris, Chris, Rachel, and Lawrence are done.
22
I like Joy Reid the best, and if she has changed her mind over the years, good for her.
25
You made my day with this article. It’s wonderful and empowering to realize there’s plenty of people just like me when it comes to the current political climate. I’ve now joined jolt Ridgewood, and hope to attend my first meeting on Tuesday. Thank you!
11
Thank You, Rachel Maddow, for keeping us truly informed about what is going on in OUR United States of America.
I watch Ms. Maddow's show religiously (9 pm ET weeknights on MSNBC) because if there are any new developments she reports it and ties the news into other events. She has other reporters, legal scholars, historians and progressive politicians on her show to help us understand things better. That is what all press and media people should do.
Interestingly, often when I travel to Oregon, Montana, Idaho and other "conservative" states MSNBC is not offered by cable providers. Fortunately Ms. Maddow and other MSNBC shows can be streamed.
Thanks again and please keep up the good work, Ms. Maddow!
37
Maybe you need to look into the TV packages your hotel provides since I have yet to find a place with cable/satellite in the USA that doesn’t have MSNBC, Fox, CNBC, Fox Business, CNN, and a smattering of other spinoffs.
Yes, CS, it is the hotels. Most are small, boutique type or have local managers who pick the provider.
We have cut the cord long time ago but I listen to the Rachel Maddow podcast in the shower or while driving. I recognize it for what it is - the political equivalent of junk food. It is healthier for your waistline but not for your brain. It does not challenge you or provide you with a new way of seeing the world. It just confirms your pre-existing biases. I am sure that Fox does the same for its viewers, wrapping them in a smug fog of self-righteousness, while killing their brain cells one by one. This is not to take down Rachel - she is far smarter than her show. But if you want to understand the world you live in, watching MSNBC or Fox non-stop are the worst ways of doing it. They are parochial, ideology-driven and irredeemably boring to anybody who has traveled or read widely and knows that American culture is not human nature. I read the NYT and the Guardian, along with Al-Jazeera, Haaretz, the South China Morning Post, and some Russian and Ukrainian media. Let me just tell you that the latest shenanigans of Paul Manafort are a very small fish in a very large pond of events that are shaping out world. And I am not retired, so I have limited time for news consumption. Be good to your brain and feed it real food instead of news-junk, whether on the right or the left.
7
To Mor......you are casting pearls before the swine. You want Americans to read non-english publications? Do not hold your breath.
1
My suggestion is that your mother,"On n'a qu'une seule mere" as Camus wrote, should be more intellectually oriented, more bookish, and not rely on t.v. solely for her source of information, news. Tough to do these days, since so many hebdos, daily newspapers, periodicals have gone out of business, and fact that so many rely on their smart phones as their guide, but one must make the effort. But in my view, your mother could not be more wrong about Wallace, part of W's inner circle from the get go, urging him, along with Tenet, Cheney, Rumsfeld, Feith, Wolfowitz, Abrams to go to war against Sadaam Hussein's Iraq which resulted in deaths of over a million Iraquis, 5,000 of our own, plus 50,000 wounded, including how many "dismounted?"Wallace pushed that war just like all of the above!Now she's on the left, and she's your mother's idol?Wallace has blood on her hands, my view,but people have short memories!Never forget photo of a young Iraqui,wounded in Operation Shock and Awe, with no arms, looking bewildered. And how many more like him are there?Wallace, along with all of the above, including Tenet--
"I'ts a slam dunk,"urged the hapless Bush who never met a book he ever liked, to invade. Wallace was part of that team which did not mind seeing blood spilled so long as it was not her own, and now she's taken seriously as a critic of Trump?If she had been in the service herself she might not be so morally preening and supercilious about those of us who support The Donald!
8
It’s obvious from your comments that you don’t watch Nicole Wallace or MSNBC. If you did you would realize that she and the network constantly have guests who are intellectually oriented and bookish. There isn’t a better example than Jon Meacham or Clint Watts, or Malcome Nance. You don’t know what you’re missing.
True, MSNBC is a repository for old W. Bush retainers who in any normal society would live out lives in shame (barring conviction for war crimes.)
1
We always go back to Judy Woodruff ...
13
As a retiree who has moved to Florida from Massachusetts, both my wife and I are tuned in most of the day to MSNBC. It gives us hope at times when there seems to be none. I must say the quality of the reporting is A1 and we particularly like Ari Melber and Rachel Maddow. It's nice to know that we are not the only ones who are alarmed with this madness from our Liar-In-Chief".
21
This is so hilariously true. A certain retired person in my household's TTSD is confirmed all day beginning with the slurring pedantic pontificating duo Mika & Joe. It gets me up and out of the bedroom like nothing else. Every time I walk into a room, MSNBC seems to be the default channel for the rest of the day. If I don't insist, it would never be anything else. It's the binky for as you aptly put it "righteous indignation". Nicolle Wallace and Rachel Maddow make my head hurt. MSNBC is killing me.
On the plus side, I am left to my own devices. Real Housewives. Novels. Soaps. Walks in the Park. So. Yes. This column speaks to me.
2
Count me in as as MSNBC Mom/Grandmom/Octogenarian, who was turned onto the channel by a like-minded female sibling.
I have watched (astonished, nauseated, gobsmacked) FOX fake news just to make sure I was seeing both sides of hownthe news is covered. Hands down, MSNBC has more educated, thoughtful, serious professionals to discuss, deeply, the issues at hand. I cannot bear to watch for more than a few minutes the bloated, fatuous Hannity, the self-righteous yet mortally aggrieved ex-law professor Dershowitz, or the bloviating goateed who-is-he-and-what-are-his-credentials-anyway former White House advisor with the strong foreign accent. Not to mention the perpetually mouth-hanging-open, perplexed Tucker Carlson, whose first name I somehow manage to frequently misspell. I could go on.
My absolute Fave is Rachel Maddox who gives very smart, in-depth coverage, and rolls out a story like she was reading out her masts thesis: clearly written, argument builds logically and in strength -- and the observations and conclusions are watertight. And all delivered with a sharp ironic edge and can-you-believe-it tone.
I have become hooked. Wine or no wine, the smart folks on MSNBC are my nightly date.
54
Bill Maher said it perfectly last night:
Too many of our fellow liberals mistake indignation for progress, while overlooking the fact that far-right reactionaries control The House, The Senate, The White House, The Supreme Court and countless State Houses around the country.
We pat ourselves on the back for exiling Rosanne; Meanwhile the EPA has just stated its mandate does not include keeping harmful chemicals out of the air, ground and water. We are giddy with every 'success' of #metoo that outs a bad guy, while thousands of children are separated from their parents at the border. And unfortunately, the list goes on.
I believe that living in the echo chamber of MSNBC deprives liberals of our true grass roots power. Rachel Maddow, et al, may think like us, but they should not speak FOR us. We need to carry that water ourselves.
28
Celeste, you nailed it. I know we are all anticipating 11/6, whatever that will bring. But the inability to focus our moral outrage over issues like tearing children away from parents at the border, or the endless manifestations of voter suppression, interference and fraud, is appalling. Time to wake up, no one else is gonna do it if we don't do it ourselves.
Missed your point. The same people who listen to or watch MSNBC are the same people who are aware that the branches of government are controlled by the right and are the same people who write, protest, donate and vote. They are the people who will change this horrible administration and they are keeping abreast of the news and commentary on MSNBC.
1
Bill Maher certainly knows everything about indignation, but that’s about all.
I enjoy the MSNBC viewpoint, but here's the way a typical MSNBC talking head speaks: "It's, sort of, like, you know, kind of incredible, right?" Why do intelligent, educated people talk this way?
7
I forgot to put "So," before "it's".
So MSNBC has replaced religion. That's really sad and troubling. Why don't you all pick up a bible instead of feeding that machine of talking heads, none of whom work for a living. You are paying their bloated salaries in effect. Don't you see that the whole process is an insult to your intelligence and moral sensibility? Same with right-wing programming. You watch this stuff due to loneliness, anomie, ennui, atomization, alienation and lack of a venue for actual political activity.
4
I am a Christian (and active in church) and watch MSNBC because I am also a concerned citizen for all the obvious reasons that MSNBC so masterfully presents. While there is nothing new under the sun, it is important to preserve and protect our democracy by being informed participants. As Christians, we are called to be salt and light. Personally, I doubt your comment here today is going to draw any readers to the Bible or Christianity. Use the internet wisely as a Christian and with gentleness.
18
Thank you, Benedict.
It was actually reading the bible that led to my recent conversion to atheism. Is Leviticus one of your favorites, too? Do you prefer the one about stoning stubborn children, or the part where menstruating women are impure and have to sleep in another tent?
My intelligence and my moral sensibility are just fine, thank you, bolstered by a healthy daily dose of MSNBC. Couldn’t live in a red desert without it.
2
Who said I was a Christian? I could care less anyway, since if they think Rachel Maddow is on the same level with the Bible they have no taste. Also, there is nothing gentle about Christianity. I doubt the validity of the Church you attend if you think MSNBC is consistent with Christian teachings. To you, Jesus was a sandal-wearing hippie spreading kindness and love.
I watch Morning Joe, Andrea Mitchell and Nicole Wallace although I also like Judy Woodruff, John King on CNN and Christiane Amanpour. My favorite news program is the PBS Newshour. I also watch the BBC. CNN has had too many ridiculous Trump campaign people for balance. I have to agree with those who complain about Joe Scarborough and Chris Matthews interrupting their guests and not letting people speak. I watch their shows for their guests, not them. I think Mika does a better job of interviewing people even if her hatred of Trump goes overboard. Joe Scarborough talks over Mika a lot and seems disrespectful. Maybe having their shows named after them makes Joe S. and Chris M. go off on ego trips while Andrea Mitchell is too smart and seasoned for that. There is an art that real journalists have of interviewing people that Joe and Chris lack. How can they complain about Trump's narcissism when they love hearing themselves talk? Still thank goodness for the MSNBC shows. I have been cutting back though because I find Trump so depressing. He is a danger to our country. We have to pay attention and yet I sometimes think the best way to deal with a sick narcissist is to ignore them. I am reading more and trying to enjoy life while watching the news more in balance.
21
No mention of O'Donnell?
Thought his calm demeanor and blue eyes would attract many moms.
15
Nailed me! I watch my "soaps" starting at 4pm with Ms. Wallace while my husband shuts his home office door and tries to block the sound.
15
“As to whether the MSNBC moms might still be living in an echo chamber? To their credit, they’re not sure. But they’re also not sure where else to go.”
The PBS News Hour, NPR, or a good book, but these options would require thinking.
9
Although the cascade of MSNBC programs through the day overlap, they do offer a somewhat addictive balm to the highly repetitive “Breaking News” excoriations.
The younger program hosts are particularly articulate on the fly and could persuade people just on their likeability, before you even get to their erudition. Without mentioning names, some older hosts specialize in interrupting the wisdom of their excellent guests.
The strident, angry tones of the some conservative voices could turn one against any message.
4
"The strident, angry tones of the some conservative voices could turn one against any message."
Anger is what seems to bind most conservatives. Not idealism. Not good will. Not hope. Just anger.
11
I don't know if it's good for me, but I do watch a lot of MSNBC. Mika and Joe, then sometimes (if things are hot) Stephanie Ruhle (who IS hot - beautiful, smart, funny and courageous - then turn it off until Nicolle (love Nicolle) at 4, Ari at 6, sometimes others. Those I really don't like? Katy Tur (too 'ain't i cute' nonsense gets really old), Chuck Todd (too middle of the road) and Hallie Jackson. Don't watch them at all if I can help it. Rachel just goes on and on, takes way long to get to 'the point' and if I start I fall asleep or turn it off. Chris Hayes? Ugh.
Mixed bag for this MSNBC mom (who does have a glass of wine with Nicolle - I DO love her guests and I DO feel like I learn a lot from them). My 31 year ol daughter is not around much but I'd never have it on if she would be. She despises ALL Tv as a waste of time. And she's probably right.
Loved this article. I don't feel so alone now!
6
Correction: I didn't mean I don't like Chris Hayes. It's the other Chris (Matthews) that I really have a hard time watching. Once I get past Chris Hayes yelling the 'opener' I like his show. (Though must confess I do watch Andersen Cooper at 8, sometimes).
But, yeah....thank goodness for MSNBC. We are NOT alone!
4
Each hour show repeats the same five or six “breaking news” stories, and imo Chris Hayes delivers those best, and then comes indispensable Rachel who comes at everything at a different angle and doesn’t do panel interviews, yay! But you can keep the reformed republicans. Anybody who enabled the Bush administration paved the way to where we are today, and none of them sees that.
7
In a land based on free speech and profit seeking the rise of 24-hour partisan news channels, along with their pernicious, bubble entrapping effects was inevitable. Preaching to the choir and rallying the troops are only a part of politics, listening to, debating with, and trying to sway the other side are also a big part of politics, a part we have clearly abandoned in these polarized times. We used to say politics is an art, in America today politics is a war. It is interesting to watch our slow spiral to fascism, something I never thought I would see or wanted to see.
In capitalistic, democratic societies the people always accept things that are bad for them because they are popular and more importantly profitable. This is one reason they always devolve into tyrannies.
The fact that we can’t find a better way isn’t a failure of our politics, however, it is a failure of our humanity.
2
Liberal or conservative, right or left, the scary scenario since 2016 is a President who may be selling out our country to Russia. Putin has sabotage our country. Trump presidency is like an inside job on a bank heist done in plain sight. After he leaves office, if he doesn't figure a way to a perpetual presidency, he may escape to Russia to join Edward Snowden.
13
For those hours between Morning Joe and Nicolle, or when MSNBC Moms et al are cooking, walking the dog, writing postcards to voters, or driving, I recommend podcasts. I have a playlist titled “TRUMP”, which includes: Trumpcast, Trump Inc., The Daily, Stay Tuned with Preet, On the Media, Lawfare and Rational Security. Also The New Yorker Politics and More and FiveThirtyEight Politics. I have some non political podcasts too, but I seem never to get to them.
1
The column doesn’t mention the veteran NBC news anchor Brian Williams who summarizes the entire day with his 11th Hour program at 11 PM at least on the east coast.
It would seem at first that he is in that spot as a punishment for ‘embellishing’ some of his foreign travel and ultimately losing at least in television news the coveted anchor job at NBC.
But if you watch him summarize the events of the day with his dry sense of humor and wit, Williams does a fantastic job as host of the 11th Hour. In an era when ‘real’ Fake News as practiced at Fox, whatever foibles that happened for Williams at NBC became a bonus for viewers at MSNBC.
Ms. Stoeffel should watch his program and tell both her parents that Brian Williams is worth staying up for and perhaps she can join them too.
36
I enjoy Brian Williams's show, too. Banished from the national NBC broadcast, I think he's discovered that he's in a much better situation today, because he gets to focus and comment on serious issues and doesn't have to also deal with the "feel-good" fluff.
22
A retired, liberal mom with a Republican-turned-independent husband? Kay Stoeffel could have dropped by my house--only I find my "solace, consolation and righteous indignation" in the NYT commentariat.
How would I make it through the news cycle without Socrates and gemli and Bruce Rosenblit and Christine McM and manuroc and Susan Anderson and my fellow Atlantan cherrylog? And so many others I couldn't list them all without overshooting my 1500-character limit? And what would I do without Larry Eisenberg's poems? Or Richard Luettgen to draw solidarity--either in righteous opposition or in occasional agreement he actually made a good point?
These people are my "friends," the folks I can count on to assure me I'm not alone when I fear our own president is flushing our republican democracy down his gold-plated toilet. I just hope some of them are young enough to help assure a better world for my grandchildren since I fear I won't live so long.
14
As a single soon to be retiree, I try to watch it all so I can draw my own conclusions until I have to get the brick so I can throw it at the Republican insanity. We were taught to think rationally, to think that integrity matters, to have a social conscience, that service is important, that telling the truth was an important part of a debate......... So it's me and NPR and the NYT
9
I have watched MSNBC since the days of Chris Hayes’ weekend show, Up with Chris Hayes (#uppers on Twitter which confused some) and Keith Olbermann. I still watch and tweet, although not as assiduously as I did years ago. My husband thinks that MSNBC is too corporate but I still find the content worthy and have found a likeminded community on Twitter by live tweeting MSNBC shows. It is a bit of comfort (along with comedy such as The President Show and Colbert, Samantha Bee etc..) in these weird weird times.
We have to enjoy our freedom of speech while we still have it.
7
“Mr. Hayes said his viewers’ connection to him has become ‘intense and visceral’ since Mr. Trump’s election, partly because they can feel that he’s just trying to figure it out too. ‘It’s all pretty bewildering to me,’ he said.”
I think Mr. Hayes’ befuddlement is shared by most MSNBC anchors. That condition separates the liberal media from their rightwing counterparts: the right presents their interpretations of events with the smugness of those who have already figured it out.
The difference is telling. Whereas Fox and Limbaugh lead their audiences, liberal media involves theirs; it’s a partnership. This talk-at vs. talk-to dichotomy widens the divide between those who are content to follow and those who are determined to lead. Fortunately, I hope.
14
Yup. I am she. But I don’t want to be stuck at home while watching MSNBC. I discovered podcasts and the world opened up. Rachel Maddow, Lawrence O’Donnell, and most of the MSNBC rest have podcasts of their shows available for download the next morning on iTunes. I get them on my phone and put the play on 1.5 speed so I can consume more info more quickly. I tie on my sneakers, put in my earbuds, and go for my daily walk secure in the knowledge that I will get real, true news and analysis while I get some exercise. Thanks, MSNBC!
8
We also watch msnbc pretty much exclusively. But I wish they would find a way to bring Keith Olbermann back.
8
We are doing some remodeling and have had no TV for two weeks. also no kitchen. I'm down to the NYT, MSN, and books. I think it has been healthy.
7
I am an MSNBC father . The other day , trying to scape the terrifying news cycle that was getting on my nerves , I decided to read again some plays by Tennessee Williams . Then it dawned on me . Blanche Dubois and Trump are very similar persons . The same can be said about Amanda , the Mother , from The Glass Menagerie . Am I obsessed ? .
8
I wake up most mornings to my husband screaming at Joe Scarborough, "let someone else talk" is his favorite line.
16
This could have been written about me, right down to the bond it has strengthened with my adult daughter.
I, too, think Nicolle Wallace is a superstar and my family knows that from 4:00-5:00 every weekday, I'm unavailable.
I, also have a large Twitter following and a secret Facebook group for Progressives.
I feel incredible anxiety over Trump, and if I'm being honest, I'm not sure our government will survive. I'm not even sure it should. It wasn't working for a majority of Americans *before* Trump was elected.
15
I am a moderate Democrat who has very liberal view points. Contradiction? Yes. I don't watch MSNBC that much at all anymore. Love basketball and baseball too much. Rachel Maddow is painful to watch because of her over explaining every thing. The old saying that "if you ask that person what time it is, she will tell you how to build a watch." This applies to Maddow more than anyone else.I have watched enough MSNBC. My favorite people on these shows are Republicans Steve Schmidt, Nicole Wallace (!), and Rick Wilson. They know how to communicate simply, honestly. and straight to the point. Rachel is unfamiliar with "straight to the point. "
7
Not in our retired household. NPR is the baseline followed by old fashioned print journalism like the Economist, Journal of Foreign Affairs, Wall Street Journal, National Review along with PBS Newshour, Thomas ( the Library of Congress) and a considerable number of internet sources. We force ourselves to watch Maddow, Hannity and listen to Rush some time each week to here what the latest flame throwers left and right are saying. CSPAN and Thomas are popular in our household and we compare the actual words spoken and reading the actual text of legislation with what the media reports. Mostly we follow the bread crumbs of citations to ascertain whether the media is actually quoting the source data or written reports correctly Sadly, cherry picking, out of context, innuendo and half truths are all too common in media and worst amongst the talking heads and pundits. Talking with friends, it is always astounding how few actual facts and fact checking they do of their news sources.
9
Wonderful, well and good, we do much the same in our household. But you're missing a big piece of this fine piece, and that is that we want to have a connection to like minded people, as human beings. We no longer live communally, for the most part; we have our small realms disconnected from each other in important ways (see "Bowling Alone"). These programs are providing that connection point, and that IS the point.
I too am amazed at how little real information and understanding most people, even those I find very well educated, use in considering policy and position. But that takes time, and frankly, most people are never going to be as politically focused and aware as I am. And I get that. That more people are engaged in what's going on, even if imperfectly, is a positive development. The lack of engagement got us tRump. So I'll hope that Rachel, and Chris, and Ari and Joy can help us get rid of him! In an imperfect world, maybe boomers can yet have a positive impact.
12
Correct, but in our circle of friends, I don't know any watcher of MSNBC (NPR listeners predominate our fellow scientists) and quite a number of those that watch only Fox News and think any other source is fake news (farming neighbors).
Yes, without MSNBC in my EarPods while my 75 year old fingers draw, paint, embroider, chop food, knit, crochet or quilt, life would not be nearly as gratifying as it still manages to be. For a bit of contrast, online NYTimes and WAPO complete all sensory needs!
19
I've always been struck by how much the MCNBC hosts enjoy each other. The “hand-off” from program to program reflects that camaraderie. They often compliment each other for good reporting and interview successes which makes me think that MSNBC's culture is to hire really fine people who care about what they do and value each other. Kudos to a great team.
44
It’s not just in the USA that people have become addicted to MSNBC. I live in NW England, and start each week day by watching Rachel Maddow and Lawrence O’Donnell on YouTube. Being retired I have the time to pick up on Ari, Ali and Chris Hayes some days. From this side of the Atlantic it seems middle-of-the-road, rather than left wing or progressive, but I’ve come to rely upon it to get a balanced view of what is happening in the USA, and it gives me hope that sooner or later when Trump and his cronies are gone, your country will be a fully functioning democracy again
51
This article so struck a nerve... I thought I was the only MSNBC (grand)Mom. Thanks so much for recognizing this therapeutic and enlightening trend. I have always been a news junkie and read the WaPo and the Times daily. It was Trump that made me turn on the TV. Understanding the breaking news and feeling good are one thing, but ACTION is another!!
All of us (especially the retirees) should try to do something that ignites an anti-Trump political reality. We owe it to this country to watch MSNBC AND do voter registration, political donations, point out Trump's lies to our friends and neighbors, and in general be activists during the day. Let's go girls!
39
Once upon a time a correspondent’s report tacked on to the last five minutes of the evening was clearly called commentary. A specific opinion about a specific news event or trend. Now it’s all homogenized into a blend of news, opinion and entertainment, the latters tainting the accuracy of the former.
A spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down. Americans can’t take their news straight. They need that puppy story.
6
I'll add Brian Williams to the list of MSNBC hosts who bring on knowledgeable, thoughtful commentators and ask good questions. In my view his redemption from stupid helicopter lies is complete because of his work here, which is far more substantive than his work as anchor.
And the MSNBC shows are not simply offering a bubble. They're offering the truth in response to the fascistic barrage of lies, and they're offering deeper understanding of the legal and international consequences of our having a corrupt, authoritarian government. They're no replacement for hard news coverage. But they go far to counteract Trumpian gaslighting.
31
"...not feeling entitled to demand the full scope of progressivism from their elected officials..."
Yes, of course, that's the problem. We need more progressivism, and the heck with worrying about where we might be progressing toward. Wherever it is, it must be better than where we are now, right?
Not quite. Progressives are not battling reactionaries, progressives are creating reactionaries. Only real courage leads to real progress, and the last example of real courage we have was Senator McCain telling a vile, loud-mouth supporter that his opponent, Senator Obama, was a good and decent man.
MSNBC and progressivism are 1) weak, 2) cowardly, 3) dishonest, and 4) manipulative substitutes for real beliefs based on actual thinking. And of course, Fox and reactionarianism are exactly the same.
7
Charles seems to advocate for a middle of the road snarl here.
1
In many places,you cannot rely on local TV news (Sinclair) or you local newspaper (GateHouse Media) to even listen to your voice. The other day the Columbus Dispatch was excoriating Democrats in the Ohio House for not saving Republican's bacon in a leadership fight. Of course they could not bring themselves to point out with 2/3 of the seats, it was "Republicans in Disarray!" All the comments in the internet version of the newspaper pushed back. The newspaper deleted all the comments a couple of hours later.
People in Red or Purple areas turn to MSNBC because they are not getting what they want from the local media. They feel alone.
32
I only read Trump headlines through squinted (terry) eyes, quickly. There is nothing good to come out of him, ever. Nothing good to learn from reading about him either. Certainly it isn't good for what is left of my mental health.
10
And one more nice thing about MSNBC: if you fall asleep and miss your program, it may be repeated when you wake up!
Not bad.
12
Oh don't tell me that middle aged women of a certain age have become snowflakes who need Rachel Maddow to reassure them that somehow we'll survive Trump. Come on ladies --most of us were still in school when Richard Nixon was elected president. Guess what -- the world didn't come to an end. Most of these same ladies were getting their first jobs when Ronald Reagan was elected president. Guess what -- the world didn't come to an end. I was counting on my peers to be stronger than having to rely on MSNBC for comfort and support. In the interest of full disclosure I'm also a middle aged lady of a certain age who doesn't need MSNBC as a source of strength and guidance.
4
Valid points, but we didn't live in an America as polarized as today's. I live in a very red area. Being a progressive here is grindingly exhausting. Watching MSNBC, and listening on satellite radio, can be a "the pause that refreshes" especially as the election cycle moves closer to autumn.
16
Also, if presented with most of Reagan’s policies and positions, today’s “conservatives” (in quotes, because trumpites have a nomenclature problem, conservative they’re not) would call him a “cuck,” dox him, and celebrate his suffering.
There’s comfort in reading this article which describes me to a tee. I’m not alone. I’m proud to be an MSNBC Mom.
49
Oh, this describes me..MSNBC mom! I never watched cable news until summer of 2016 when I first heard the big liar, trump and got cold chills when he told Russia to find the missing emails! I knew it was going to be bad.
I want facts, truth and to understand it all better since I've never followed politics, but also need some laughter too from the very intelligent hosts and guests in this depressing time. I'll also watch 'democracy now' & BBC & nytimes, to see what's happening around the world.
24
Chris Hayes, Rachel Maddow and Lawrence O’Donnell display way, way more intelligence and sophistication than any other TV anchors anywhere. It’s pretty simple. I don’t watch them because they’re leftish. I watch them because they talk like knowledgeable adults, unlike the oleaginous cliche-meisters on CNN. They pretty much tell the truth, unlike the sociopaths on Fox. Finally, the women on MSNBC do not wear cocktail dresses or flash legs, unlike the Barbie-ish pretenders on local news. MSNBC is the only reason I can stomach television journalism at all.
77
The problem with MSNBC is that it does not report hard news. MSNBC is an opinion, and propaganda station.
5
Not true. While MSNBC definitely tilts left, polemicism is not the same thing as propaganda. A good polemicist uses facts and critical thinking to make her/his points. There's a big difference between the obvious propaganda on Fox and the discussions on MSNBC.
In addition, MSNBC does include some hard news. The early morning shows are straight news, and Richard Engel's "On Assignment" is good investigative journalism.
21
SandraH.
"Tilts left?" MSNBC for the most part, has collapsed left.
Yes, Richard Engel is good.
The worst reporter I have seen on MSNBC is Lawrence O'Donnell.
I, however, remember great reporters:
Edward R. Murrow, who reported the Blitz on London in WWII. Walter Cronkite who reported from Vietnam and had great influence on the U.S. to bring that war to an end.
Fox has some straight news programs; one is Bret Baer at 6:oo p.m., and others.
Sorry that you folks on the left want your power back so badly, that you are fans of a station where many reporters will tear the president down, even if he has done something great.
Be sure to congratulate all your interviewees for finding the ultimate safe space. Nothing like having all your preconceptions and biases affirmed 10 hours a day by your TV "friends".
6
I thought all the spying was going on elsewhere, but the writer, Kat Stoeffel, must be checking out my household via Alexa. This MSNBC mom has an addicted MSNBC husband, so we are enabling each other. I know, it’s kinda sick, but it’s hard to tear ourselves away. I didn’t realize there were so many of us out there! Cheers, fellow addicts! Here’s to us!
32
I am a cord-cutter, and I stream MSNBC on my Apple TV. I watch Joe, Mika, Ari, Laurence, Rachel, and Brian. The Republicans who appear on MSNBC are intelligent and thoughtful people, while CNN's Republican commentators remain embarrassingly stupid. FoxNews, except for Shepard Smith, packs the network with people who behave like Stepford Wives. By the way, Joe and Mika banned Conway from their show. Why do people invite her on their show? Ratings! Some people have better things to do than listen to a congenital liar who argues with television hosts.
21
CNN recently had Conway on (minus her broom) Why any network would
Have her on accept to prove she is an idiot escapes me
1
msnbc is biased to the same degree as fox news so i dont watch it. whenever i do encounter rachel maddow i have to wonder how anyone can stand watching and listening to her breathless delivery. for me its the NYT, WP, and Atlantic for the least biassed least hopelessly hopeful (in trump's demise) news and opinion.
4
I read the NYT, WaPo and the Atlantic too, but I have to wonder why so many commenters seem to have it in for Rachel Maddow. She's smart, she's funny, and she's great company for an hour. She's my favorite host.
28
IF you do not watch it, how do you know they are biased to the same degree? I find Fox biased in promoting right wing views that are not founded in facts, or cherry picked facts, ignoring huge swaths of the real world. I find MSNBC biased in promoting views based in a more comprehensive set of facts with a left wing spin. I hardly think that is "the same degree". I do not have to think at all to poke holes in Fox's yelling. I have think a lot harder to find holes in MSNBC arguments.
4
It seems like some viewers get impatient with her “A” block but I find it very worthwhile. Putting the news of our day into historical context is important for a myriad of reasons and she does that exceedingly well. I have wondered if her frequent guest, Presidential Historian Michael Beschloss, contributes to that first segment.
When following the news becomes your main life’s endeavor, you are completely out of balance regardless of your political persuasion.
5
Did anyone say it was their life's main endeavor? No.
Anyone who agrees with this opinion piece better not complain about Fox News, as it is merely the counterpoint to MSNBC.
4
Not at all. Fox is known for pushing conspiracy theories and silly cultural tropes like the "War against Christmas." They really have become Trump TV, with Hannity almost going to bed with Trump. MSNBC is polemical but substantive. It's many cuts above Fox.
What is the "good part of Illinois?"
16
So the FBI / Muller conspiracy is just counterpoint to MSNBC's reporting of Muller's investigation? And they deserve equal weighting in one's view of the world?
I beg to disagree.
4
Actually, it is a reaction to Fox News. And unlike Fox News, which shamelessly used the ashes of 9/11 to fan the flames to drive the 2nd Iraq War in order to establish irs ratings, MSNBC is doing all it can to keep the phony Trump presidency in check .
12
Love 9pm - 11pm MSNBC, along with the fabulous Nicolle and Stephanie and Ali. Don't love the misogynistic mom condescension anchoring this article.
10
Glad to learn I'm not the only MSNBC mom but I had to eventually stop watching when I realized that, with the exception of Rachel Maddow's show, it was unintentionally helping Trump by subconsciously leading viewers to await the next disclosure or outrage as if all that has happened weren't enough. This is a problem caused by 24-hour news in general so is not unique to MSNBC, but it ends up turning all the Trump administration corruption and Russia scandal (which is already damning without the need to discover more) and Trump's craziness into a episodic show, with viewers awaiting the next revelation. Again, Maddow is the exception with her focus on the big picture, and because she doesn't find any of this funny or amusing. But if there has to be cable news, I'm grateful at least for the sanity of MSNBC.
11
Fox is right wing wacko propaganda;
MSNBC is left wing wacko propaganda.
If you’re searching for propaganda, you’ve found it.
4
Great article. Love Rachel! And Chris, Nicole, Ari, Kornacki, Lawrence. Just one change would make MSNBC perfect: the return of Melissa Harris Perry. Her Sunday show was can't-miss TV for me. Its focus on African American issues helped me understand so much more than any other source. I do miss her and wish she would return.
7
Unfortunately we have 24 hour political talking heads across the entire political spectrum in what masquerades as news. Our brains are turning to mush. These are entertainers a far cry from journalists
1
I too am a MSNBC, Crooked Media, and others listener. My children know not to call while Rachel is on. It is always delightful to covertly discover another closeted liberal within my traditional social circle.
15
I’m a retired MSNBC mom of color and empty nester. The diversity —and smarts—of MSNBC hosts and their guests provide analysis and commentary that keep me on my toes. Shout-out to Steph Ruhle, Ali Belshi, and Craig Melvin daytime.
27
I still miss McNeill/Lehrer. But MSNBC is a true emotional life line. The only one who doesn't cut it is Andrea Mitchell. Her halting delivery style is completely annoying and she Is married to an original Ayn Rand sycophant. Too close for comfort.
7
Since when did we start judging journalists by the politics of their spouses?
4
What, no love for Ali Velshi? He's one of my MSNBC favorites, along with Nicolle and Ari.
20
Sounds like me, too. I have MSNBC on almost exclusively because they speak as though I am an adult with a brain.
I would love to have another, more conservative alternative so I could get more balance. But I just can't stomach the constant "Obama did it", "Hillary did it", "the liberals..." once the whining, victimhood, bullying, name calling, etc. Starts, i change the channel. Usually about 5 minutes in.
7
Morning joe used to be good till Mika decided to roll her eyes through the whole program. The SNL skits are spot on. Stephanie Ruhle is palatable but just barely. Andrea Mitchell remains professional and takes pride in her work. The rest--who cares. If it's solace the liberals want, they should read a book, work out, volunteer.
2
Are you hinting at some kind of false equivalency here, Kat Stoeffel? Do reporters who authored articles in WaPo and NYT appear on FOX? Former high officeholders, esteemed investigative journalists, historians and professors? Chris Hays invites those leaning right. And if right-leaning current government officials or billionaires were willing to go on any of these programs, I feel sure any of these hosts would have them. George Will was on last night, spouting ancient Red Scare rotted chestnuts about Bernie Sanders' brand of democratic socialism, for g-d's sake. These journalists investigate deeply, and display exact documents. These programs are middle-of-the-road, source and fact-based, or should be considered so. There is no real left wing in this country. And there is no false equality with FOX or Limbaugh who simply bluster out dark, twisted fairy tales and lies about smashing phones with hammers.
28
Just when I was starting to feel invisible, this article appears.
10
I won't watch Rachel Maddow until she stops giggling.
3
Maddow’s repetitiveness is also maddening. Substantively, she’s invariably on target, but honestly, she patronizes her audience, reiterating every tiny detail in that sing-song voice. Maybe moms are major MSNBC viewers, but Maddow treats them like ‘80s Valley Girls. Oh, and her sense of humor is not funny.
2
You must be thinking of someone on Fox. I can't imagine Maddow giggling.
It's not exactly giggling. More like cascades of guffowing, and Maddow does it a lot. I suspect it's her way of responding to the absurdity of so many of the political imbroglios she describes. But it is pretty frequent.
In the past I watched MSNBC faithfully. My favorite was Chris Hayes who I now realize speaks more freely in print. Yet at some point I became frustrated with how each program is dragged out in order, I imagine, to fill the time slot. It felt as though I were holding my breath waiting for the point. I really tired of Morning Joe far more rapidly as I was sick of Joe's bullying of Mika: talking over her, interrupting her and generally being a bully. Go figure. I hear they're getting married.
2
If not for NYT commenters, MSNBC and a smart husband, I don't know where I would be after that election. If the TV is not on CNN in the early hours, I feel bereft. After 9/11, I listened to NPR. Now, it's mostly MSNBC. Nothing keeps me away from Nicolle Wallace, and Steve Schmidt is a bonus. Thank you for this article; makes me happy that I am not alone. (You CAN be alone in the middle of a blue state.)
22
I absolutely flipped out when I read this. It's like you had been following me around. MSNBC is keeping me sane! I don't remember what made me switch from CNN (a Georgia obligation) to MSNBC but I will never go back. I start the day with Joe and Mika ( even though sometimes they try my patience) continued on Serius in the car to work and coming home with Andrea. I'm a semi retired teacher who teaches half day. I pick up again with Nicolle at 4 and after dinner it's usually a straight shot from Ari (yes, usually with a glass of wine), Chris M(he tries my patience also), Chris H as an appetizer for the main course Rachel. Dessert is Lawrence and if I'm still awake Brian. You really have no idea how important this article and this network mean for women like us. We are not alone, we still have a voice, we hate what is happening to this country and most importantly we vote!
19
Wow. So there is a whole world of us watching MSNBC! This is fantastic! Started to watch for the coverage of the Women's March and have not stopped. Love Rachel and Lawrence and Brian and Andrea and especially Steve Schmidt. And everyone really. These people speak the truth and think. Who knew being newly retired could be so amazingly enriching. How about the books and the authors they host? Collusion anyone, the new books by Clapper and Comey? I was part of demonstrations back in the 60s and pushed for women's rights in my 20s. Watching MSNBC is re-sparking my political fervor which feels great! I call and write my senators and reps now and speak up, attend meetings. It will be an interesting year.
20
I am reading my life story. Sort of. I laughed and showed this to my hubby and daughters. Now I feel better since I'm not the only MSNBC mom!
11
Those of us with satellite radio in our cars can listen to MSNBC there as well. I do try to listen to other stations at least some every week, even Fox for as long as I can stand it. (I can usually last about 10 minutes, but it depends on who's on.) On MSNBC at least, you hear from Republicans as well as Democrats and avowed Independents. You hear from people who used to serve in various administrations and understand the taint partisanship can inflict on efforts to govern effectively. I guess I watch it because I feel that, 20 years from now, I'll have had the best vantage point to have learned about how the Trump Administration imploded. Every time I hear Rachel, or Ari, or Lawrence say "Breaking news...." I half-expect the beginning of the end to be in progress.
4
I’m writing this in hopes that an MSNBC scheduler takes note. I retired as a political analyst and have been watching the station since Trump emerged as a presidential candidate, but before that, watched Rachel who has a long and very illustrious career, including rapping the Koch brothers’ network when few knew who they were.
The commentary shows are too repetitive. They latch on to one subject ad nauseam.
Rachel is the best, of course.
Ari Melber is really up and coming.
I ignore Chis Matthews, too rhetorical, tiresome.
Chuck Hayes is de rigueur.
Nicole Wallace acts too cute, giggles too much.
2
Ever try streaming MSNBC on your computer? All you see initially, at least on my iMac, is a small window surrounded by extras. But if you push command+ a few times the content fills the screen. They only give you the most salient portions of the shows, which allows me to cruise through all my favorites, in an hour and a half or so.
Joe/Mika, Rachel, Chris, Chris, Lawrence, Nichol and Brian are our (My wife and I) evening family. On a good night I get different slants on the big stories. On a bad night I see the same stories again and again, but it is still the only show on TV about real life, as I understand it.
Three more things. 1. Thank you MSNBC for keeping the babes with cascading blonde hair to a minimum. 2. Rachel, not that I don't love you, but please stop repeating yourself so much. I often fast forward though half your monologs and find I miss very little. 3. For heaven sakes vary the commercials a little. The repetition can be maddening.
6
I'm an MSNBC mom, a habit I learned from my twenty something son. Though I have long been a liberal, I never watched this station until Trump's presidential win. Then it became must watch tv. I watch because I'm scared. I was not happy when Reagan was elected. I thought he was dangerous and that his policies would damage our country in the long term, something that has has actually come to pass. But Trump is different. His presidency could actually usher in a period of authoritarian rule. If Republicans would serve as an actual check on presidential power, I would feel frightened, but at least know that our institutions would remain intact and could survive an event like Trump. But Republicans continue to act cowardly, more interested in their own power than in the survival of the nation they serve. MSNBC presents the events in an intelligent way, using real facts. It is a soothing balm in an era of Trump.
15
I'm an "MSNBC Mom", and have been since long before the 2016 election. After the election I also signed up for subscriptions to the NY Times and Washington Post. LOTS of news sources, LOL.
However, since I'm "only" 63, I'm also an activist volunteer. I worked as a volunteer for 6 months before each of the last 3 presidential elections, and am now engaged for the first time in the mid-terms. In Michigan we have our state elections and the federal congressional elections in 2018. I am no longer going to just watch the news, I want to be more a part of making it. We need to rid our state of the Greed Over People party stranglehold it has on all 3 branches of our government.
I am running to be a precinct delegate and going door to door to my precinct neighbors, asking them what is important to them, connecting with them, and going to use that information to funnel upward toward our legislators.
I can't just watch the news any longer and be ashamed, incoherently appalled, or afraid. I am walking away from the bulk of the news that makes me feel this way, partly for self-care, partly to be active instead of passive.
I have children and I hope some day they can tell their kids and grandkids that I cared enough about our country (at this time of dire need) that I took my duties as a citizen so seriously, albeit belatedly,that I gave up comfortable "senior" years to try to improve it. For them and all kids.
I'll catch more news when it's good. Hopefully 11/7/18. Join me.
29
Sounds like my wife. At times I wonder if she is aware that our T.V. shows other channels. Only difference is that I am a slightly left of center Democrat who has voted for a few Republicans in the past - Jacob Javits, Kenneth Keating, Edward Brooke and John Lindsay.
2
You sure captured my mom, 83 and terrified about everything.
1
Fox is not news, cheerleaders for the current administration, repeating lies, and making some up. MSNBC may be liberal in their focus, but what they cover is accurate news, when wrong, corrected. Rachel is the brightest "host", deep knowledge, background information and rational analysis. I watch her daily, as well as Nicolle Wallace, a reasonable republican (usually taped). There are other excellent shows, but any more feels overwhelming. I am so heartbroken that our democratic republic is at such peril, including the cowardice of Congress who are silent.
15
I love all these women commenting! They could all be my new best friends. I am an MSNBC junkie with no apology. My husband tells me that Trump is ruining my personality but I need the solace I get from listening to, what I think, are the sane voices in these crazy times.
42
I couldn’t force myself to read the entire column. But I can say that keeping the television on and watching it for most of the day is unhealthy for anyone. Labeling an entire group of people and fooling yourself into believing you understand how these individuals think is also dangerous.
2
In addition to the great hosts and the battalions of experts who appear on MSNBC, the best of print journalism reappears on MSNBC. The depth of the commentary on MNBC is underwritten by a renaissance of analysis that is taking place on the pages of the New York Times, the Washington Post, and many magazines, not to mention books. One could say that MSNBC is a champion of thinking in writing.
43
My wife adores MSNBC, especially Rachel, as well. They appear to validate everything Democrats who grew up constantly hearing the praises of FDR were conditioned to feel about the Party. Frankly, in my opinion Franklin would probably be dismayed to hear how whining and self-righteously hostile Lawrence can get, especially for his Last Word. Makes me now see Keith Olberman as tame by comparison.
Fox News provides the line of the Republican Party, and MSNBC provides the line of the Democratic Party National Committee. Time to break away from these two "accepted" parties.
One channel would have us think our problems stem from immigrants and foot players who kneel during the national anthem. The other would have us think our problems stem from Russians determining our elections. Neither provides any sustained focus on the real threat to the survival of species from the industrial assault assault on our environment. Nor do they give sustained view of the incessant wars for profit that drain us both financially and morally.
Throw in CNN and we get a steady diet of much blather across all three cable news channels, and very little at all about the rea problems, just as we would expect from channels that are owned by those who produce the problems. Those who are leading in destruction want the talking heads to blather, and they have no motive to reveal truths.
Liberal channel vs. conservative channel? More smoke and mirrors, more circus to keep our eyes occupied. Anything to keep us from attending to how the profit motive is leading us down an oppressive path.
4
I am a lifelong Republican, whose Mid-western half of the family was so rock-ribbed and generationally conservative, that when the epithet, "Roosevelt," issued from their pursed lips in a sharp blast of icy hate, it was Theodore and his conservation policies they were referring to rather than to Franklin and his, "New Deal.".
Now I, at age 69, am witnessing the apparent dissolution of representative Democracy and the Republican Party in a Trumpian bonfire. So many qualities that true conservatives have historically held dear, tossed onto the heap, beginning with the moral compass, sacrificed and expediently cast ablaze in the service of a brazen, craven, and, disgusting partisanship and cult of personality that is, without apology, creating the very monarchy (and Kleptocracy that our Founding Fathers warned us against!
And, above all else, we cannot discount how, what should be inviolate, truth itself, is continuously shredded in a blind quest for partisan superiority, by Fox News and all the Trumpian minions and sycophants in Congress, 4Chan, Breitbart, and everywhere the light of truth is in the process of being extinguished. Therefore, I take issue with the casual use of the term, "biased," in reference to MSNBC, at least there you find no sowing of falsehoods, all they do is shine their light and interpretations on the news and sad state of politics today. I still consider myself a Republican, but I hereby disavow Trump, and his enabler, Putin.
19
I'm an MSNBC grandpa, but I am very realistic about its minuses as well as its pluses.
First, its ultimate owner is Comcast, hardly a hotbed of flaming liberals. It is obsessive about its bottom line, and if it thought it could do better, it would drop its liberals overnight.
Secondly, socially liberal is OK for MSNBC, but progressive economics is a no-no. It once had the pro-labor Ed Schultz, but he spoke too much truth so he got fired. Now, how much do you hear about the pay gap between execs and workers, or about health care. What do you hear, except as a token mention, of Republican plans to shrink the budget deficit they created by cutting programs like Social Security? For that matter, while MSNBC is all-trump-all-the-time, how much does it really cover the damage being done blow the radar to agencies and departments that serve the public like EPA, CFPB, the VA, Education?
And, this being a media giant, when did you last hear about media monopolies and net neutrality?
Finally, I don't forgive NBC for giving trump an undeserved prime time platform for years longer than than the few episodes ABC gave the racist Roseanne Barr?
And MSNBC gave trump $millions in free promotion after he began his actual run for office.
If you rely on MSNBC you will need a back-up when its owner pulls the plug. It won't as long as trump is around, but I find that WiFi radio is a good alternative to constant right-wing radio - at least will be until net neutrality is killed.
9
I too admit to being an MSNBC junkie, albeit via audio only streaming. I'm at home at and able to listen whenever I want.
But I don't think it's good for my mental health. On cable news EVERYTHING is a crisis or huge event; they want viewers. On MSNBC the music is invariably something with a pounding beat played loudly. Hosts are clearly coached to speak with great urgency. It's all designed to make listening an imperative to be informed.
Put all that hyping together with my real anxiety about the damage the Trump administration is doing and by the end of every day, I feared we were teetering on the edge of Armageddon. Every day.
So I try and limit my exposure - Andrea Mitchell at noon with her sensible and low key delivery and Nicole Wallace at 4, just because I love her and appreciate her perspective from having worked in a republican administration. I find I'm a much calmer person and get much more done when I keep the hours down.
9
In the summer of 1973 we had 3 preschool kids and a very tight budget. Some generous friends loaned us their new RV so we could afford a vacation. We went camping at Pismo Beach and I don't think I got down to the beach more than once because I was nursing my youngest daughter and glued to the portable TV watching the Watergate Hearings. Here we are 45 summers later and I am glued to MSNBC, giving same daughter running updates on the events and analyses of this political nightmare we can't wake up from. She finds it too awful to watch closely anymore and relies on me to keep her informed. I feel comforted by the insights and discussions of the hosts and guests and in my most fearful moods usually hear a tidbit that cheers me up and feel, for awhile at least, that " this too shall pass" and our great democracy will survive but often I am scared to the bone. I want to thank all the anchors and guests on MSNBC who have to deal with the political garbage on a hourly basis--I couldn't do it but it is essential for our survival. If only this era were a fictional mini-series instead of reality.
19
This describes me and my life exactly. I start the day with Joe and Mika and end it with Rachel and Lawrence-Brian is too late for me most of the time. I like all the hosts and so many of the guests and commentators, they are all great and so smart. I am the only one in my family who does this but I have been a news and political junkie my whole life -it isn't Trump who made me this way. It's just that now, crazy things happen by the hour so you gotta watch a lot or you will miss something; I do record shows when I am out, too. Some of my friends share my obsession, too. I find it reassuring that most of the Republicans on-Nicolle Wallace, Steve Schmidt, and numerous others, are up in arms over Trump as much as the Democrats are-I like that we are in this together. MSNBC is helping me survive this presidency, so I thank God for it every day.
21
I am retired but I'm not a mom. I do watch MSNBC. However, I've reduced my viewing time to just a couple of hours a day. Ever since they got rid of most of their liberal/progressive hosts, I've lost interest. I like Chris Hayes for his youthful enthusiasm. I've grown bored with Rachel Maddow's overly long history lectures. I do watch Lawrence O'Donnell sometimes. I miss their progressive guests and grow tired of all of the conservative commentators on every show. They show way too much trump when they don't need to. I do love Ali Velshi for his hyper-ness. I'm disappointed with their current format.
Bring back Keith Olbermann!
6
Ali Veslhi is the greatest thing since the razor cartridge. He doesn't even come off all that progressive that I can tell, and I love him anyway. He and Stephanie Ruhle make the daytime lineup one worth watching. Each with their sole hosting jobs and becoming greater than the sum of their parts at 10am (Central). I agree the liberal bastion of news moniker is greatly overrated. It's insulting to hear it called the counterbalance to Fox news. If it were, I'd be a far happier guy. But it's nothing more than a good source for good information that yes, doesn't try to hide their bias. But a liberal paradise, hardly. Tune in early Saturday mornings and one would quickly find a situation that would never be witnessed in a place custom built of, by and for liberals.
2
I totally agree with you
This describes my daily life - I'm obsessed. Glad I'm in good company.
10
I too am in this exact demographic and watching-- minus the wine. MSNBC has a collegiality that is attractive and comforting even beyond the individuals. My favorite is Rachel-- I admire Rachel so much--funny, so smart, so quick witted, so well spoken, so nice, and all of her guests love her too.
Being in this demographic has another layer of significance. Many of us were girls during the time when most couldn't imagine a future for ourselves with the opportunities that Rachel has. I not only admire her but also am so proud for her, her guests and colleages and the important work that they do.
But one more layer--being in this demographic means that when we were girls and boys we saw other things on TV--President Kennedy's inauguration, his funeral, the firehoses and Wallace at Ol Miss, Martin Luther King's death, Bobby Kennedy's death,the 68 convention, Love Canal, Anita Bryant, and Nixon impeachment and the wonderful Barbara Jordan. We thought the United States was going to be a better place and that we were all helping in our own ways-- in the Peace Corps, the Free Clinic, teaching, politics, better laws and protections. Now in the past 18 months our country is in slow motion disaster of democracy.
We older ladies are watching MSNBC because we are all scared that it is really not going to be ok. But if Rachel and everyone else can be brave and optimistic, (including now knowing that there are lots of ladies and men like me who are watching), we can too.
65
The article is interesting, I see it from the perspective of a non MSNBC viewer who is more progressive then conservative, but I found her last sentence disturbing. I don't know that liberals and conservatives can ever become something they're not, and there are extremists obviously who will always be on the outer fringes no matter what, I think that's personality and it's partially bred into us and we can't change it. But I find it disturbing that people don't want to meet in the middle, it's disturbing because of what that means for our country. I don't remember it being this bad 20 years ago.
I wonder what our country would be like today if Fox had never been invented.
6
What would the county be like? The fact that the middle is so devoid of energy is totally due to Fox. If it weren't for Fox, we'd be arguing about the best way to fix Obamacare. Instead, we won't be satisfied now, expect with Medicare for all.
As the left takes over, as the right looks back on their intransigence, I think they will rue the times that they couldn't figure out how to get along us.
4
Jeni, If you ask most progressives, you'll find they (including me) are willing to find common ground and accomplish all that is possible within those confines. This article, like most, misidentify left leaning MSNBC viewers, for whom it is mostly geared, for left wing progressives. It is from the lens of that initial misconception that you see a call for all out political war, where there was actually a call for strength in expectations between voters and their elected officials left of the (D) (R) divide.
Republican voters have never shyed away from demanding those they elect toe a line and deliver for them. Democratic voters have been historically feckless in this regard, but appear to be growing bolder, which is desperately needed.
4
I *knew* it! I’m part of a big, liberal, thinking, experienced mom revolution. I absolutely have my twitter people, check in with sane republicans (check out Rick Wilson on twitter) and verify my findings with Rachel at night. Love Ari Melber, and occasionally join him with a glass of wine. Which I probably should not admit, as I live in the Pacific time zone.
Ladies - we changed the world when we marched against the Vietnam war, we changed the world when we insisted on equal pay, we changed the world when we required our husbands to change diapers. Best not underestimate a bunch of mothers and grandmothers with time on our hands. We’re used to being the ones who finally get things done.
56
No question, I see myself in the generation (age 70--how did that happen?) and the situation (recently retired) described here. I too watch Rachel Maddow and Nicole Wallace with great interest. But, though he's not my daily favorite, the pivotal media moment for me was the post-election show by Lawrence O'Donnell that featured the banner "You are not alone" --which to my mind, remains the key take away from MSNBC in these dark times.
33
Lots of great talent at MSNBC.
Although it hasn't been mentioned here, I think the best show of them all is The Eleventh Hour - Brian Williams may have been banished to overnight but he treats it with the care and professionalism of the anchor chair every night, has outstanding guests and a wry sense of humor, and stays out of the way.
Agree with many here on Steve Kornacki's outstanding election analysis and Steve Schmidt as a must-see guest. Disagree on Chris Matthews - his knowledge of the inside game is unmatched and I still find him fun to watch, you just need to go in understanding he's a political junkie who just can't help himself.
56
Every day, I grow more grateful to MSNBC anchors for their courageous reporting and analysis of the news. And thanks to all you NYT readers out there, for reminding me in your comments that I am not alone in my adoration of the MSNBC evening lineup!
59
This article made my day! I am proud to be a MSNBC mom. My day starts with Joe and Mika and ends with Rachael except on evening when there is lots of breaking news and then I will watch Lawrence as well. When I'm home during the day MSNBC is always on. I've given up watching any other programming since Trump was elected. My son is home from college for the summer and on many nights he will join me a 9 pm to watch Rachael. We had a family tradition of watching Survivor together when he was in elementary and middle school. Rachael is our new Survivor and makes for a great evening of mother and son bonding . I hope and pray we all Survivor this Trump nightmare. Please Mr Mueller make this nightmare end.
41
Remarkable: "Today, it’s liberals who feel that their way of life is under siege, Professor Sobieraj told me, because a president was elected for views his conservative peers had been shamed into suppressing."
Is there no difference between suspecting one's way of life is "under siege" and suspecting that a president has been installed by a foreign power?
5
I agree with most of the points so i must be a MSNBC mom. I commend the work and research put into these shows (and the NYT!) I noticed the anchor to all these shows is the Brian Williams wrapping up at the end of the night. Such a seasoned professional. The guests in all the shows are super smart and respected. Thank you MSNBC and NYT. In my book you guys are helping keep transparency in this administration. So grateful!
37
I got diagnosed with breast cancer at the relatively young age of 38 February 2017. Undergoing treatment and streaming MSNBC in the evening has gone hand in hand. It's not just the great hosts of the shows, but they get great legal experts as well as journalists from NYTimes and WP.
22
I hope your treatment goes well and that you can enjoy MSNBC cancer free!
6
Here, MSNBC is enthusiastically "loved" by those whose "liberal" identity has been created, defined, and carefully managed by this branch of corporate-owned media; Fox News is equally "loved" by those whose "conservative" identity has been created, defined, and carefully managed by another branch of corporate-owned media.
But as it is with branches, they grow out of the same tree. And this corporate-owned mass media tree is now the overwhelmingly dominating tree in a very shrunken stand of much smaller trees in the U.S. Indeed, this single corporate-owned mass media tree is now so powerfully dominating, and thereby casts such a dark shadow on the remaining few smaller trees, that the people living under it cannot even see it as a single tree. This is the very nature and structure of this single, corporate-owned mass-media tree: its branches reach out to to cover the creation, definition, and management of acceptable political and social discourse in American society. Acceptable to corporate-owned media, of course; what's not acceptable to corporate-owned media simply disappears into the darkness this single, huge tree casts below it.
Corporate-owned media is now "loved" by all; i.e., private, corporate-owned media = the free press in the U.S. In other words, the indoctrination is complete, courtesy of this single, corporate-owned media tree, with its stout branch of "liberal" MSNBC and its stout branch of "conservative" Fox News. Thank you.
6
So in other words, MSNBC is the television equivalent of the NYT: All Trump, all the time.
No thanks. Until the Dems get themselves a majority in Congress there is no point in agonizing over the antics in Washington. Obsessively watching or reading about it is clearly great for the advertising budgets of these media outlets, not to mention the fundraising efforts of the Democratic Party. But it's not good for anyone's mental health, no matter what they think.
5
So hard. It feels "wrong" to ignore the missteps and antics of the buffoon in chief, but staying informed and "vigilant" probably takes a serious toll on one's mental health.
2
My family has watched MSNBC since the Bush era and the days of Keith Olbermann--and we miss him, and I wish he hadn't ended his GQ videos, because things, sadly, are far from over.
Rachel Maddow is truly amazing. Watch her, and see no cold opening, no credits, she simply begins to talk. And she talks, and she talks, and the first commercial interruption seldom occurs for 15 minutes or more as she attempts to educate her viewers about what's going on and WHY it is going on. Chris Matthews shouts, and Ari Melber gets cutesy at times, but Rachel's intelligence shines through the screen. You don't always feel better after watching her--and right now I am torn between being depressed watching her show, or being depressed watching the Mets lose, but at least watching Rachel, I feel as if I'm a little smarter when I shut off my set.
55
You nailed it! I’m an MSNBC mom For sure. However, I am not retired. Start my day with Mika and Joe although I don’t always agree with everything and then keep MSNBC on in the office. I end my night with Rachel and Lawrence. Watching MSNBC keeps me sane since I am surrounded by Fox followers/Trumpsters who believe everything they read on the Internet. It is good to listen and learn from people who I really do believe and respect. I agree that Nicole Wallace is a superstar and she is only enhanced when Steve Schmidt is on with her! Great to know I’m not the only person who relies on MSNBC to help get me through yet one more day of this unbelievably corrupt administration.
35
Same here. Not retired and have MSNBC on all day. I adore Nicolle and Steve Schmidt. Every once in a while they talk about their memories from the 2008 campaign and troll Sarah Palin. Those two certainly earned combat pay. I also love the combo of Ali Velshi and Stephanie Ruhle. They do an excellent job covering economics and finance. Finally, I totally geek out when Rick Wilson makes an appearance on any show. So clever and funny. He writes an occasional column for The Daily Beast and they are gems.
5
OMG - they pegged us! My husband and I speak about Joe & Mika like they are our close friends. We sing-song "Hi Nicole" just like Chuck does each afternoon at 5:00. We get excited when Danny Deusch and Steve Schmidt are featured. We end our evening with Brian Williams. And to make it worse, the MSNBC crowd are the only folks I follow on my twitter feed.
So glad to hear we are not alone in this madness.
44
All the cable news channels are horrible..I actually enjoy CNBC and Bloomberg who have some politics but emphasize how it effects me and my family. The year wasted on this Russian thing is a disgrace, it is clearly going nowhere, even democratic lawyers and judges I know say this is nothing there. CNN put trump in office actually , with it's foolish coverage of email and Clinton foundation (thinking she was a safe bet they piled on like a referee gives points to a team 25 pos down as they think they won't affect the outcome)they gave Trump an issue and their arrogance enraged blue collar in Wisconsin, Penn, and Michigan who normally would not vote. Add to that the SNL finale before election what was an HRC coronation and what do you get , Trump. Now with the economy and Korea they may get a second term and I did not vote for trump.
3
The Mueller investigation is a closed investigation no one knows how it will end, to say otherwise is obviously ridiculous. People vote on things other than the economy, some are actually concerned about possible criminality corruption unending chaos incompetence and general rampant indecency not befitting the position of the POTUS.
3
To paraphrase Trey Gowdy, if they want to convince us that there is nothing there, they should stop acting guilty. The lying has had a purpose to muddy the water - this indicates that there is something there. The indictments are not nothing either. Don Jr clearly acted unethically, and this kind of behavior needs to be strongly discouraged.
Incidentally, I would dispute the assertion that MSNBC is only for liberals. They have a wide range, just none of the the Trumpista tub-thumping and outright lies.
PS some Fox people are actually OK. This article is polarizing in its assumptions.
3
The trinity-God, mom and apple pie
2018 version- New York Times, MSNBC and lots of coffee
22
That is correct lol. But coffee is first.
8
My elderly aunt used to drive me crazy with Fox on all day at full volume, and still she had no idea what was actually going on. Now I laugh to fully recognize myself in the description of MSNBC Mom, especially the part about having it on mute all day long while I'm reading NYT and links sent from NPR sites! Lately it's grown very tiresome with the same Trump stories and the same guests alllll day long so there is little reason to listen. As we all have come to know, "Breaking News" is no such thing on any network and is often even 24 hours old and deserves no attention. But I'm still afraid to miss anything and act like the news somehow 'can't happen without ME'.
My sound is always ON for Nicole Wallace and Rachel Maddow.
13
Ok, I didn’t read the entire column, but I am shocked that some people leave the television on all day, and often have it on mute. Do people who do this realize that they are wasting energy? Not very environmentally responsible.
1
Another reminder of why it is more important to vote than to watch such shows. These numbers are puny when you consider the votes needed to win a national election. Vote!
11
One thing I've noticed from many commenters is that we get news from more than MSNBC. Personally I read online daily NYT, WaPo, HuffPo, CNN, Politico, Daily Beast, Axios, BBC, NY Magazine, NY Post, Daily News and more. Growing up we were a news junkie family with the Times, Post, and News delivered (plus the Staten Island Advance but still) and evening news and weekend news esp Sunday morning on TV or radio all the time. What I enjoy about MSNBC is the great camaraderie of the anchors and their guests and the sheer quality of the guests-authors, former US attorneys, WaPo, NYT, Daily Beast writers and others discussing their "scoops", the advancement of stories as they develop over time etc. It's just incredible. People that say it's always the same are not really honest about watching. It's always new and moving forward with reflection when needed. It's great!
29
I echo your list and I would add Vox, The Atlantic, Slate and Vanity Fair. I used to read Salon but the quality has gone down aince Joan Walsh left.
3
Transparency and accuracy, in my opinion, measure credibility better than balanced content. It frees journalists to do better work. MSNBC is honest about their point of view and support positions with accurate facts. It's not surprising they're producing high quality content.
25
Most of this article reads like the author is applying for a job at MSNBC's marketing department. The remaining bits don't make sense.
I hope these MSNBC moms are getting their news from a variety of sources, because MSNBC might be parroting the liberal view point right now, but we should never forget that MSNBC spent 20 years trashing the Clintons (and Gore). And never forget that Trump was always given free run on Morning Joe even when Trump was peddling birther conspiracies.
4
Ok. After reading all these great comments I have to add my own. Me too, to all of it. Lawrence O'Donnell, Steve Schmidt, Jennifer Rubin, Jill Wine Banks and her pins... My California daughter and I share the joy. Also often the hilarious insanity of our crazy POTUS and his crew. Retired, 75, feminist, member of the senior women's resistance. I agree it's time to add meaningful programming on the weekend.
18
I have not read all of the comments. I read this article this morning and decided to agree with the women and men who are watching MSNBC, but I did not come across a mention of Bryan Williams' show, "The 11th Hour." It could be that it is our favorite because living on the Left Coast we view this program at 8 PM instead of 11 but he does great work and I wish his show was on earlier so that more people could watch it.
10
Here in Central time, Brian is smack up against Trevor Noah, who always wins in my house.
5
I always assumed they shifted airtime for shows on the west coast. Or is it left coast?? Silly Chicago guy here calls New York the east coast and California the west. But I think this is the second time I noticed the left coast being used by someone who actually lives there. Fascinating. Does this mean my mom in Florida says right coast? Though I suppose The Villages makes her Midwesterner like me.. Ha.
So, out west Ari airs at 3pm, All In at 5 and Rachel at 6?? That's so bizarre. Joe and Mika come on at 3am?! My mind is blown.
Nicolle W left the Republican Party. She did not vote for John McCain......when she was part of his campaign in 2012! Dig deeper... she has almost no diversity of opinions on her panels. She only has Trump haters, including ex-Republicans, day after day. It is amazing that no one seems to acknowledge this.
2
As a member of this club, I also think there is something about dealing with distress over Hillary’s loss for this generation of women.
7
Reading this piece, I got concerned that there's a lot of intellect, energy, and caring that's only being shared with a TV screen. It would be exciting to share that with other people! I'm reminded of my mom and her League of Women Voters group when I was a child - listening to them debate, laugh (and clink wineglasses!) is a wonderful memory!
There are Meetup groups around the country - they get together to do all kinds of activities ranging from coed soccer to mall walks to hiking. How about forming MSNBC Meetup groups that watch the show together at a restaurant between the breakfast and lunch rushes or mid afternoon - to debate, laugh, and - even though it's not the swinging 70s anymore - clink wineglasses!
The show I'd love to watch the most?
The Demise of The Donald.
8
Dear common sense,
The league of women voters is still alive and strong! Come join us!Just a reminder ...
2
i also secretly hope that one day they'll poach Shepard Smith. Hey, a guy can dream...
3
Isn't it more important that Fox viewers watch an honest program? He should definitely stay there where you can watch him too.
5
We are retired now, but I watch little TV. The only TV show my 25 year old son, my wife and I watch regularly is Rachel Maddow. She is from our home town, so we are proud, and it is a great show for thinking people, kind of professorial! Sometimes I watch Lawrence O'Donnell, he gets right to the point in contrast to Rachel who often slowly circles the point. But my wife watches many of the hosts. When approached by the ubiquitous sales people from the various TV vendors (e.g. Direct TV, ATT) I always ask if they have a package that gives me MSNBC but not Fox news. So far, none of them offer this desirable package.
7
We're just in 'The Empire Strikes Back'. Stay tuned for Return of the Jedi.
4
I feel like you are talking about me. Glad to know I’m not alone in this desperate situation. I too try not to miss Nicole Wallace (even though she is a Republican). Thanks for your article.
4
I like the guests that Morning Joe has but Mika and Joe are as self-absorbed as Trump.
9
I couldn’t adapt to thenir show after Imus got fired. They can’t hold a candle to his crazy wit, and those wonderful guests used to be his. They strike me as Bush league and vapid.
1
For many years, morning rush to work and school meant no TV allowed. WQXR was my morning guide on my way to work in Manhattan. Then came breast cancer and early retirement. CNN became my guide first thing in the morning, but they were too - for lack of a better word - objective.
Trump's tweets pointed me to Morning Joe. I came to them as a protest to a horrible man and his unspeakable attitude to others and stayed for the smart, erudite company.
Also, since Trump I took up weaving and BritBox. (They go beautifully together.) For the first time in my life I limit my access to the news. And when I'm really upset, I vent on Twitter, still with my full name. (I don't get people who don't sign their names on comments. Whatever we are, we're still not Russia.)
1
I love Hallie Jackson and Katy Turn, but who really impresses me the most is Brian Williams. I was never a fan of his during his nightly news anchor stint, and I had written him off after the "misremembering" episode. But he has slowly won me over with the 11th hour, and I haven't felt so reassured since the heyday of Peter Jennings. That is must see TV before I turn in every night. Kudos to Mr. Williams for the continuous raising of his game.
19
I don't get the last sentence in this essay at all:
"And it excited me to consider what Democratic slates might look like if a generation of MSNBC moms were more engaged, more confident and less compromising." How in the world do you think this generation of confident Moms accomplished all that we did? By not being confident? By compromising ourselves over equal pay? Over maternity leave? By not being engaged in every minute of every day for our work ,our families and ourselves? By not marching against Vietnam and against this President? Did you actually mean it might be exciting to consider what the Democratic slates would look like if they were filled with candidates as engaged, confident and uncompromising as the MSNBC Moms?
12
I don't understand your reference to maternity leave. To my observation, American women didn't just compromise on maternity leave, they were rebuffed whole heartedly. My daughter and her friends are starting families, and none of them got any more than six weeks paid leave, and/or up to three months unpaid leave. For those with difficult pregnancies, this meant returning to work before the child reached two months of age. It is the worst maternity leave policy in the developed world. Of course, it goes along with the most expensive health care in the developed world. I know young women who had to save for over a year before getting pregnant because their insurance plans charged such high deductibles for maternity care. If we women truly want our job as mothers and caregivers to be valued by our dollar worshipping society, we are going to have to be more engaged, a lot less compromising, and a lot more demanding, indeed.
9
The counterpart of the FoxNewsDad I guess
5
my Dad is an MSNBC Dad, so it makes his visits a bit repetitive, but I do appreciate the fact that he still cares at 86.
5
No. Not really.
4
I am a retired physician trying hard to learn the French language but a new diagnosis, which I have labeled "MSNBCitis," gets in my way. I listen to the MSNBC podcast while exercising at the gym and I record all the shows and binge watch for hours at a time. The anchors and commentators are all excellent. Please don't forget the weekend anchors as well. Joy Reid is especially good.
25
I dont watch television based news as all. Nothing is really news anymore anyway. Just opinion with some "facts" thrown in.
In my view Fox News and MSNBC are the same thing. Opinion news is otherwise known as propaganda. You can choose your pill but in the end the result is the same.
8
Jacqueline, watching Rachel Maddow and Lawrence O Donnell - how can you say that? on those programs, especially Rachel's people complain that so much information is given
they get headaches! Both of them, and Ari Melber give sources, facts, photographs, charts, references etc. You are free to assess situations and people but based on specific statements and actions. and ones you can check.
8
I've seen both. And no, they aren't the same thing. And that is aside from their political bent. They are both cable channels. After that the similarities vanish.
Any network news from ABC, CBS, or NBC has far more news content than anything on FOX News.
9
Sorry, same thing.
1
Yet another tedious naval gazing article from elite white liberals about the lives of elite white liberals. This myopic focus is why you all are so often surprised and confused about what's happening in the country, or in leftist speak "What's the Matter with Kansas."
7
Why don't you try to understand us for once? If anyone is naval gazing it's you.
15
As a european i gravitate towards msnbc. it might sound surprising but our dutch official national 8 o'clock news basically covers the news like msnbc - in depth, with a lot of background information, connecting dots and yes, making all sounds of the political spectrum heard and (mostly) taken seriously. I started watching msnbc after your disastrous election and still think it's the most balanced news outlet you've got. and yes in do watch fox as well...
10
As good as Morning Joe, Andrea Mitchell and Brian Williams are, let’s note there are some low points too. Katy Tur is a fearless reporter but a dope as an anchor. Stephanie Ruhl is unbearable because she’s always shouting - and in the morning no less. Same with Steve Kornacki and, sadly, Chris Matthews. And yes, Rachel Maddow has a tendency to oversell her show but mostly on target.
2
Often times we just turn the set off, especially when all the anchors and panelists start shouting over each other. Don't they know the viewers can't understand this cacophony of screaming?
2
My take on MSNBC is that the hosts foster discussion and allow for varying opinion. It is left for the viewer to formulate their own opinion on a subject based on the presentation. Fox hosts on the other hand seems to present a singular opinion as a quasi-fact. Fox viewers seem to blur the line between opinion and fact because of this presentation. MSNBC seems more cautious and tries to make a clear distinction between opinion and fact. Maddow never trades in opinion and tries to lay out facts. Perhaps viewers are slowly leaning the difference between facts and opinions and are looking for factual truths to formulate opinions with
9
I'm a fan of MSNBC and support it's mission though I find Rachel Maddow and Lawrence O'Donnell a bit cloying from time to time. MSNBC is doing an excellent job as a fact based counter-balance to the ever expanding nonsense broadcast by Fox. I can't watch it nonstop because there is just too much happening and it can be overwhelming - but I do use it to stay informed. Truth is good. MSNBC is truth based. Lying is bad. Fox, Limbaugh, Alex Jones, etc.: all liars.
14
The news media is the entertainment division of corporate America. MSNBC circumscribes the liberal zeitgeist well, and maintains professional journalistic standards. But viewers need to realize that it is still corporate news. The channel is owned by Comcast and is dedicated to interests of that corporation, whose priority is making as much money as it can. Today. The prime time line-up caters to a particular audience of regular customers easily identified through its advertisers, and the “news” presented is designed to maintain those customers. The channel willfully ignored the anti-corporate Sanders campaign. Rarely will you see or hear a story reported with enough depth to acknowledge the good arguments on both sides of an issue. I’m a regular viewer, but I watch with a commitment to real critical thinking, (which tends to be overlooked in many post-structural liberal arts academic programs. Otherwise, it mimics Fox News as political entertainment.
5
I'm a MSNBC Grandfather. This article resonated with me. Having recently retired, I have a little more time and I spend some of that time watching MSNBC. I enjoy the intelligence of the MSNBC hosts.
I didn't see any of the comments mention it, so I'll also highlight that I really enjoy the commentary of the Never Trump Republicans. MSNBC does a good job of inviting people like George Will, Steve Schmidt and Charlie Sykes. While there will be another day in which I will disagree with those conservative commentators, for now they are proving to be people who warrant respect. That will help when Trump and Trumpism is gone and we need to have a dialogue with real conservatives.
32
As my choir sings at Christmas....Joy! Joy! Joy!
14
No mention about Velshi and Ruhle in this article but I would like to give the pair a thumbs up, too. Their financial background and power point presentation style make it easier to understand and follow financial issues. Very informative! Great chemistry and balance between the two, also. While Ruhle tends to be upbeat and outspoken, Velshi balances it out with his calm and gentlemanly air.
Way to go MSNBC!
17
I am also an MSNBC mom, and I am proud of it!
11
Wow we must have the same parents!! My Dad kept talking about “Rachel Rachel Rachel.” I thought it must be a new hot nurse. Then 9 pm hit...ahhhh....they have two TVs tuned to MSNBC so we get Chuck, Nicole, Ari, Chris et al in stereo all the way through Brian. My Dad left the GOP and has re registered so he can die a Democrat. Good for him. Now at 89 and supposedly dying he’s watching MSNBC from 7 am to midnight and I think Rachel herself is keeping him alive til the midterms.
52
I am currently listening to the Easy Listening channel which is playing lovely, soothing, melodic and beautiful music. I must take a break from the cable news channels (all of them) which just repeat the same news stories over and over. It becomes so boring and tedious and I cannot bear to listen to the same rehashed news again and again. I have had enough until they report on some new and newsworthy stories. I am on strike.
7
MSNBC is what cable news should be like. Sure the pundits have their personal positions, but they also have a professional ethic and take it seriously, something that FOX just doesn't have or do. MSNBC is real journalism with opinion and debate thrown in fairly. FOX is political panderlust, with propaganda and outright lies woven throughout a trolling and venom laced partisanship, which sounds more and more immature and anti-intellectual daily.
21
If you listen to the lines of questioning their guests, Hayes, O'Donnell, Melber and often Maddow aren't just reading from a prompter or bantering with co-hosts who are told to stay on message (read: Fox and Friends). They are informed (as I take pains to verify elsewhere) not only on the issues but on the history and background of every story. Hayes offers immediate mea culpa's if he know he's stepped on an information land mine. Plus, do you ever see sincerely liberal guests on Fox? On MSNBC you'll hear Michael Steele, Jennifer Rubin, Steve Schmidt among many others (not exactly conservative apostates). Do you ever seen ex-officials from every administration going back to Nixon or retired military on FOX? Only the ones who were accused or convicted of malfeasance in their time. Switching back and forth between Fox and MSNBC a couple times a night is very instructive.
14
This is so true. I'm in "that" demographic. Watching Lawrence O'Donnell and Rachel Maddow makes me feel less like a crazy alone with the feelings that I have about Trump. Also, like post 9/11, where I watched cable news non-stop hoping for the capture of Osama Bin Laden, I want to be there when Trump is indicted, disgraced or resigns. I hope that is just a matter of time.
25
It would be pretty hard to get through life lately without my NY Times and MSNBC. It’s a great one two punch and not enough credit is being given to Lawrence O’ddonnel who can go toe to toe with any of them and I suspect because he is on too late he’s not mentioned enough, but also Brian Willians is quite enjoyable and quite a quick wit. He could have easily been a successful comedian. Steve Schmidt needs more air time.
35
I thought it was just me. MSNBC is my station to go for all news and updates and if I'm not home the programs are recorded. Andrea at noon, Nicole at 4PM and Rachel at 9PM which is my way of toning down the day. Really! Wow, I just mentioned three amazing women.
9
Ugh! That is exactly what young people in this country really don't need right now: parents watching the cable news 24/7 with over the top anti-Trump negative coverage. As if suicide rates going through the roof is bad enough nationwide, the state of our media saturation impacting our mental health and emotional well being is even worse though.
Maybe the author who wrote this glowing opinion about MSNBC should reevaluate her lifestyle as being a mentally insecure liberal housewife who could only justified the new meaning of the couch potato in our society. Let's face it here: kids are being told in the home and in the schools that they are totally frail and thin skin, and thus they need to be coddle to no end while presenting soft bigotry of low expectations by the adults, for whom by the way have abandoned the moral clarity of their roles with the young. This country can't afford another generation of narcissistic, egotistical, entitled brats who get locked up in PC cultural wars and being disconnected to real world concepts.
MSNBC should be offering full apologies and make amends to clean up their shoddy journalism profession rather than being an antidepressant for guilt ridden white liberals who backed Hillary in 2016.
4
Why not try watching and listening? You may learn something. You are making a sweeping generalization.
6
Msnbc’s Ali Velshi, Canadian, once said 1 line---that no country on earth has a successful health care system that’s based on the ‘free market’. But he didn’t explain.
But last night CNN's Chris Cuomo interviewed Bernie Sanders on how to pay for single payer, or Medicare for All. 1st time I've seen this dealth with on main media.
Cuomo cited the usual objections. Sanders could be more specific and concrete, but his main point is that dozens of other countries have health care for all, where profit isn’t the main priority.
But our media won’t tell the various ways his is done. We need TV documentaries explaining to Americans how most countries finance generations of h/c for all. Not all single payer, but all with govt regulation of costs for the public---as a norm.
None of their parties aim to destroy it like our GOP wants to destroy ACA.
ACA has increased # of insured, but it’s a GOP based system using our tax dollars to subsidize insurance profits.
Msnbc and CNN could, in the internet age, compare our system with many in the world, in cost, coverage, and public support. That would be audience grabbing news, and the healthy discussion we need.
Parties abroad don’t run on changing to a US style exploitive system, where profit is the 1st priority before care. Here, even liberal media like Msnbc is afraid to discuss this difference.
6
I would marry Stephanie Ruhle if she would have me.
8
Get in line!
Msnbc is labeled liberal by the right wing. It is liberal compared to Fox Fantasy News. Our definitions of liberal are distorted by the dominant conservative tilt of our politics. Fox is the GOP state media monopoly, reflecting their rw policies, as the GOP dominates our 3 branches of govt and most states. It has redefined our political spectrum of left/right/center.
Msnbc's liberal punditry is pushback to the rw extremism, so abnormal by the standards of other democracies. Msnbc wouldn’t be labeled so liberal in many advanced countries where politics isn't as dominated by the moneyed elite and their mega donors.
Notice that Msnbc, tho better than most, never tackles certain crucial issues, affecting our lives, but avoided by our media----like how to pay for the universal affordable health care common in dozens of countries. Same with college tuition, and campaign finance letting the richest donors call the shots. Msnbc avoids all this entirely.
Last night CNN's Chris Cuomo interviewed Bernie Sanders on how to pay for single payer, or Medicare for All. First time I've ever seen this topic actually covered on main media in US.
12
There is a reason for the popularity of MSNBC hosts, particularly Rachel Maddow. They are whip-smart, well informed, and they provide facts to back up their stories.
Rachel Maddow, is a Ph.D. in political science and a Rhodes Scholar--the first openly lesbian to be so honored. She is a published author. Her evening program puts contemporary issues in solid historical context, and are informative even for those who feel they are already well informed. Additionally, she is pleasant and polite even to her most troublesome guests. I remember her interview with Oklahoma Senator Jim Inhoffe, where he tried to trap her by asking her about an obscure portion of a recent book he had written. Apparently he thought he would demonstrate that she hadn't actually read the book. She responded immediately and accurately, and it was Inhoffe who was embarrassed.
Contrast this with Sean Hannity who only offers GOP talking points on steroids tinged with conspiracy theories and right-wing blather, or worse yet, the vacuous chat of Fox & Friends.
The other hosts on MSNBC are also erudite, experienced and intelligent. They do tend to repeat the stories of the day, but each has a unique perspective.
These MSNBC shows may trend toward liberal topics, but they are highly informative and entertaining. Even "conservatives" will learn something from them.
46
I was up to five hours ... from Ari Melber (after I finished my freelance work for the day) through Brian Williams when I retired and went cold turkey on MSNBC. I still read news and opinion online via the WAPO, NYT, Slate, The Daily Beast and more, but my depression level, that helpless feeling that began when Trump was elected, abated substantially when I cut off my addiction to MSNBC. I miss Maddow’s brilliance and Wlliams sonorous delivery, but my mental state is vastly improved.
2
My wife is one. I'm the husband as described.
1
.....how can anyone listen to any cable news channel for more than 30 minutes - it's the same news over and over and over again.......I think I would prefer waterboarding.....
4
I guess I am just a curmudgeon, but I am seldom impressed by any of the talking heads. The demands of the commercial market make inanity inevitable. PBS and NPR sometimes but not always rise above the slough of mediocrity- when they are not begging. Most all of the content on the news channels, right, left, or indifferent, is repetitious propaganda, the balm of received wisdom.
I do not believe that print is inherently better than broadcast journalism, but The Economist and our best newspapers are far more thoughtful than any of the commercial broadcast outlets. I regret that the market for entertainment seems far greater than that for knowledge.
7
Many of the "guests" and panelists/contributors on MSNBC are writers from the print media. The host will typically cite an original article in, say, the New York Times, the Atlantic, and then discuss said article with the writer and often other "experts" in the field. If you are really interested, you could search out the article at its origins.
8
Since the election I feel like I'm living in a surreal world where reality is no longer reality. I began listening to Rachel Maddow when she had a show on Air America in the mid-2000's. I was living in the red-Central Valley and drove a lot for work. After Barack Obama was elected, even winning voters in the typically red Central Valley, California - I thought we had finally arrived - the world felt calm, balanced, we had a smart eloquent man representing us - then Trump.
I am a professional woman in her late fifties, still working, hoping to retire, living in, thank the Goddess, blue California. I don't miss a Rachel Maddow show, she is smart and would be a fabulous Poly Sci professor. I find her presentations vastly informative, always providing the historic background related to the issues and emphasizing the scism that is in gear today - how it is so out of whack on a historic level.
For many years I had to listen to Foxxy (that is what my siblings and I called it) at my mother's home (born in 1932) - on full blast due to her hard of hearing - we dubbed Mom "Foxxy Lady". I would get disgusted at what I heard spouting out of the mouths of Hannity and O'Riely - whom my mother loved - ich. Mom is gone now, and sometimes I feel like her - listening to MSNBC. I feel grounded when I listen. I feel informed. It inspires me to get up on Saturday and go to the march in Sacramento. It inspires me to get out and vote. Thank you all at MSNBC, keep up the good work my friends.
33
I take in the day's political news and think "omg, what's going on? where is it all leading? can we stop it?" The MSNBC crew take me slowly through the news, processing the upset, and answering the questions. And it's one of the few channels where the people talking (scripted or unscripted) are constantly saying intelligent things.
And I'm glad to discover I'm not alone in my total hopeless complete crush on Nicolle Wallace. (Sigh... she's married, right?)
12
Yes, Yes, Yes!! My husband (this is Lydia Borsh) calls me a news junkie but keeping up with things allows me to stay sane. Although I live in a liberal state, I too wish I lived close to like minded people who I had daily contact ..
5
MSNBC is like oxygen to me - couldn't live without it.
In a red state, surrounded by the army of Fox and a right wing fanatic crazy person (husband), MSNBC has been a lifesaver -my tether to a world where actual objective facts define reality. They've kept me sane and informed, as has the NYT.
Nicolle Wallace surprised me. Knowing that she's a republican I feared MSNBC was going to turn into CNN. Nicolle is a must see. I love her objectivity, intelligence, passion, humor, grace her undeniable love for country and her ability to deftly but politely skewer anyone who's blowing smoke at her. I also have her to thank for introducing me to Steve Schmidt, a truly great man and patriot.
There's not a single host that I do not enjoy, appreciate and admire for their ability to always be gracious yet dogged in their determination to find the truth. I do wish someone would tell Matthews to shut-up once in a while and let his guests actually finish their remarks before he butts in! Drives me nuts.
The thing that really distinguishes the caliber of journalism on MSNBC from the others (especially Fox if you can call them journalists) is their focus on getting it right and telling it straight. If they make a mistake, they own up, correct it and apologize. They don't demean, insult, and tell lies for the sake of generating ratings or riling up their "base".
Keep up the good work MSNBC we need you and The Times - now more than ever.
75
Newsflash for the engaged, woke "MSNBC Mom's" reading this self-satisfied tripe: The revolution will not be televised on MSNBC. Nor will it be reported by the NYTs. You'll be the last to know, and the ones the most in need of the message in the first place. I know, ironic, right? Say hello to Rachel for me.
3
Thanks for the heads up.
Nicolle Wallace is the best thing going. Her frank, informed perspective and ability to getbtge most out of six guests at once makes me forget sgecworked for Palin!
She is an absolute treasyre.
5
I used to watch the MSNBC news sometimes years ago. While I consider myself a lifelong conservative, I do like to hear both sides of the story. I do watch Fox and One America primarily. The problem that I do have with MSNBC is their lack of news that has anything positive about the United States. There are never stories about hero soldiers, childhood memories of Christmas, or any other human interest stories. Everyone has an "ax to grind" with some other group, typically anyone that has a different world view than themselves. The U.S. is still a center right country and always will be even as the demographics shift. The 8 year experiment in liberalism failed in the Obama years, and that failure resulted in the American people electing a President that by all measures should not have won. Trump was not elected by a small group of peop!e, but half of the citizens of the US. MSNBC makes their attack on half of the country personal. Well, you guys keep supporting Nancy Pelosi, open borders, sanctuary cities, abortion on demand, climate change, terrorism, higher taxes, taking away people's guns, sex education for kindergarteners, evil dictators, anything with the last name of Clinton, free choice of bathrooms, crushing religious freedom and bigger government sticking its noise in everything and MSNBC will always have a place in your hearts. Good Luck in the next election, because the story on FOX news is you guys don't have a prayer in hell of winning the house or senate.
4
Its amazing to hear these right wing talking points. Obama was able to bring the Dow back to its highs in a little over three years. The good economy today is based on what he accomplished. It took over twenty four years for the Dow to reach its former highs from the Depression. When you lose the popular vote by almost three million votes, your election does not indicate a new populist movement but an electoral fluke facilitated by the modified "rotten borough" system of the Electoral College.
20
As someone who spends a lot of time in the presence of Gen-Xers and Millennials I can assure you that the majority of Americans are moving from the center (we are not a center-right nation now) to the center left and even left. Granted, South Carolina will be slower than many states to get there.
18
I hope viewers understand the incredible, amazing amount of hard work Rachel Maddow puts into researching and producing her show.
She is providing a tremendous public service - to people who prefer not to read newspapers, online or otherwise, but also to those who follow papers like the NYT of course ( I read the NYT every day - I have to limit my viewing of Rachel Maddow these days because my boyfriend finds TV news to exhausting.)
A shining example of a true public servant.
18
It wasn't just "Fox News [that] gave birth to President Trump." CNN, and to a lesser extent MSNBC, gave Trump an inordinate amount of coverage, all in search of ratings. The Huffington Post famously announced at the outset of Trump's campaign that it would only cover him as part of its entertainment coverage. It quickly backed off that promise, but if all the non-Fox media had done that (or if Hillary Clinton had been a better candidate or not the nominee at all), maybe Trump would not be in the White House today.
3
I agree with all the MSNBC watchers here ( even the gentleman who remarked on Rachel's repetitiveness). My particular favorites are Mika, Joe, Steve Schmidt, Nicole Wallace, and Mike Barnicle, who I wish would run for president. When Trump won, I felt an oppressive sense of doom for the country. What these people bring to me is a sense of integrity, a vision of how our country should be, and a hope that we will return to that vision when this nightmare is over. When Mika is righteously indignant, when Nicole told a guest to go peddle his lies on Fox, when Joe (who does talk too much) lectures about the law, when Steve Schmidt gets angry, and when Mike Barnicle calmly tells it like it is, I feel like Truth and Justice will prevail. I love that this hope is coming to me from Republicans and Democrats alike.
Over and over again, I am struck by the intelligence, the body of knowledge, the substantial reporting and/or conversation of the hosts, the NYT and WAPO guests, panelists, and reporters of MSNBC. Thank-you.
Thank-you to the other rural liberals who commented here. I understand the loneliness.
Thank-you to Kat Stoeffel for this piece.
9
I am a very liberal retired woman, and I don’t watch MSNBC. I am tired of their snark and self-righteousness. I especially can’t stand Chris Hayes and Lawrence O’Donnell, with their constant eye rolling and put downs. Rather, I listen to NPR all day, and read the New York Times, which present a balanced view of the day’s news.
4
Why does Ms. Stoeffel not mention Chuck Todd, who in my opinion is among the best on MSNBC? Is it because he appears earlier in the afternoon (5pm ET), or for some other reason?
1
The differences are simple. MSNBC deals with facts and analysis. Fox deals in propaganda. MSNBC presents liberal, centrist, and occasionally conservative opinions. Fox broadcasts reactionary ideology.
9
MSNBC is on all day in our house, too. However, there are times when I MUST turn to CNN.
I can no longer deal with the breathless screeching and hyper ventilating of Stephanie Ruhle or Hallie Jackson or the banalities of Ali Velshi.
And Trump was right, Chuck Todd is a little too sleepy for me
And, like Andrea Mitchell, he's a little too "corporate."
Katy Tur looks like she spends too many nights out partying because she often forgets the names of the guests sitting before her.
And Morning Joe has gotten so bad it is difficult to tell the difference between the real show and its SNL parody.
The best thing MSNBC has done is to infuse its line up and guest list with more conservatives. Nicole Wallace and Steve Schmidt, both Bush 43 alum, show why Republicans win elections: they can take a punch AND deliver one, too.
John Podhoretz, Charlie Sykes, Elise Jordan, and a few others I can't remember at the moment, make MSNBC the most conservative cable news outlet that is not Fox News.
1
Yes, the conservative line-up on MSNBC is impressive (try finding a true liberal allowed to speak freely on FOX). But none of the guests you listed have any eloquence for the current administration. Steve Schmidt just about buries the Trumpsters every time he's asked a question. Charlie Sykes and Jennifer Rubin can barely contain their loathing (and their concise dismemberment) of the Trump admin. They aren't abandoning the conservative ideals they each hold - they're shining their lights into the muddy waters of the increasingly polluted swamp.
7
As a San Francisco-bred liberal currently living in red Arizona, MSNBC is the only thing that keeps me sane. I never watched cable news before the infamous healthcare vote last July. There I was at 1am, crying my eyes out as John McCain cast his vote to save my healthcare. Now I am hooked on Ari, Rachel, and Nicole. When friends call and ask what I’m doing, I say, “I’m watching the death of democracy.” MSNBC and Colbert make me feel like I’m not alone in my outrage and that this chaos cannot last forever. It can’t, right?
22
Don't forget John Oliver. You can watch his past shows on HBO and Youtube.
3
MSNBC is not a leftward version of Fox. It is a restorative force for American political civilization.
Fox sells a kind of mental masturbation -a degenerative stew of hate, greed, exalting one's side by dehumanizing and demonizing others, and clinging to rigid, self-serving ideology at the expense of truth and problem-solving. In the end this serves a vicious little oligarchy and the base they cling to with lies, venom and false flattery.
Fox and the rest of the right wing hate media cabal sell a fake version of Burkean conservatism that is actually classic authoritarianism.
Rachel Maddow has been a force for the restoration of civilized American political discourse and, just as important, for courage, good faith and good humor in the face of adversity and chaos.
The conservative voices on MSNBC are just as important as the progressive voices because they also demonstrate an American political system that works.
Liberalism and conservatism, when properly understood and practiced, are synergistic as well as adversarial, the yin and yang of the healthy democratic republic.
16
" What is the difference between MSNBC and Fox News? "
Fox talks to an audience of true believers. MSNBC talks to an audience of skeptics.
6
I fit this demographic: highly-educated female liberal, retired and who discovered the evening line-up of MSNBC when, early in the Trump regime, my DVD player went on the blink and I channel-surfed cable regularly for the first time. I don't watch daytime TV.
I can't stand screamers and interrupters, so there goes Fox "News" and Chris Mathews right away, and I turn away from CNN when they have some panel that includes a right-wing screamer/interrupter (why do they all do that?). Chris Hayes curates his panels, and Rachel Maddow prefers to avoid panels and have one-on-one guest sessions where you really do get expert views, frequently on the law, that try to get to the truth. She does connect dots, and she and Hayes and O'Donnell are always citing and crediting other news outlets we might miss when they have a scoop. She tells me how to get, for example, the Democratic minority's report from the House Intelligence Committee, and the ludicrous majority Republican report. I've read them, thanks to her, and other from-the-horse's-mouth sources.
I'm hooked. And I'm part of those Democratic and independent liberal women out there who are are both resisting the Trump regime, and organizing against it.
22
I find my best solice is when the screen is off. In this stressful depressing world, immersing in nature is the better alternative. So much of the "stuff" on the news in beyond my personal space. I like to pet the dogs and walk the prairie.
3
This article dangerously equates opinions with news.
The fact that most of us liberal New York Times readers happen to agree with those primarily liberal MSNBC opinions does not make the above equation true.
If this article were about "Fox Moms," this comments section would have a very different tone.
3
Nothing like watching a dozen shows with left-wing hosts who have 90% liberal guests, and 10% guests who are "Republicans," or ex-CIA and ex-FBI agents who hate Trump.
3
Isn't it great?
2
To lump MSNBC in with "cable News" is not only inaccurate but it indicates a prejudicial point of view. MSNBC is a responsible news organization where incidentally NYTs reporters appear almost daily along side other responsible commentators. Unfortunately I have to say that MSNBC often does a better job of providing context so necessary to understanding events.
7
MSNBC as the convocation of Hillary liberals? The ones who, by force of insight and goodness, triumphed in 2016 and saved us from Trump?
Think how much one could actually learn, by turning off the TV.
2
I want to invite everyone over for a gab fest - wine included
3
The important thing about Morning Joe is Joe Scarborough has left the GOP. He still relates to moderate GOP'ers. He is highly upset with his former party and calls trump out every morning. Mika is outraged about trump's actions. I always record Rachel Maddow and / or Lawrence O'Donnell. Rachel's show has too many commercials and teaser moments. I limit my intake of news to these programs and the NY Times. It has become unbearable to see trump's face, listening to his voice and the cringeworthy way he and his cabinet are destroying this country. Unfortunately, I can't watch Nicole as she defended bush at every turn during the tax breaks for the rich, the tragic Iraq war and the downfall of the markets. CNN is ok but MSNBC is MY home.
6
Also, most MSNBC viewers do not conflate cable talk shows with news. They get their actual information from newspapers or their digital equivalents. I worry much more about the people who take "Fox News" literally.
8
I notice Chris Matthews is not on the menu for the moms. Understandable - he tends to be a bit of a mansplainer, an inveterate interrupter and not a master of modulated tones, to say the least. Regarding Rachel, something else we older mom types enjoy is her reluctance, unless it's absolutely necessary, to assault us with the voice/face of 45. I appreciate that. Rachel makes sense of the nonsense. She's the absolute best.
33
I never miss Matthews. He eats, drinks, breathes all this stuff and I love his passion and knowledge. But he does shout over his guests, and frankly, lately I get the feeling his best days are behind him.
1
Most of the long-time male anchors on MSNBC are establishment and do not particularly want to see women change the world. They have done quite well with it.
Ms. Maddow may also be part of the establishment and is surely at the top of the wealth ladder but she got there the hard way and had many obstacles to overcome because she is a gay woman. That makes her even more remarkable and she is truly socially conscious. Love her.
Susan, I think Chris Matthews is a loud-mouthed rude man. He constantly interrupts his "guests".
MSNBC is as partisan and propagandastic for the left as FOX is for the right, maybe more so.
MSNBC Moms and the people who love them can’t see that because, well, the other guy’s views are biased and extreme, but one’s own are always objective and in line with truth and reality.
3
Can you support that assertion with one fact?
5
My wife is at this moment reading the MSNBC Mom article which I just finished. We both are thankful viewers of MSNBC programming including AM Joy.
We are retired from 30 years of working in public Social Services. We have seen and worked in poverty and have seen the destruction it showers on the victims of the disenfranchised by race, sex, age, lack of decent education, place of origin and simply being a child of such parents.
Very few have even a feint idea of what daily life is for these tens of millions, and the pain and damage that the 2018 Trump blitzkrieg has unleashed on their already woeful existence.
MSNBC is putting Light (As Rachel was indicating in her bit about turning on the light in an apartment and having the roaches head for the corners--- which was a great metaphor. Thing is, Rachel did not have to rent the place. Roaches are one of the very, very small issues that the poor have to deal with.) on the heartless actions of Trump and his gang of thugs.
My personal view of MSNBC is that it is a bright light in the darkness of the "media" and it is growing brighter thanks to all of these talking Hearts, not heads.The media thugs called Fox are heartless talking heads, agents of terror and hate. And as the light continues to grow, we will see these roaches, like the suddenly disappearing architect, scurrying for the corners of oblivion... If we look closely, we can already see Trump gently easing for the crack in the wall.
29
I, too, worked in social services. I had always kind of dismissed Chris Hayes as a mere kid when he was new to the network. He really surprised me one night when he was discussing AFDC/TANF and actually was very well-versed on the policies. I’ve been a fan ever since.
3
I'm not a mom, but I have to admit to watching and agreeing with a lot of MSNBC programming. Even so, I am beginning to feel like I am watching the flip side of the right-wing Benghazi coverage of a few years ago (even though Russian interference is a lot more real and serious). MSNBC could ultimately do more to help usher out this awful era of Trump by dialing down the breathless coverage of Trump/Russia, Cohen, Stormy (etc.) stories and spending more time explaining all the terrible things this administration is doing to the long range position of our country in the world and its attacks on civil liberties and the health of our planet. I think MSNBC is getting a bit too tabloid-y, just like Fox. The more overblown the scandal coverage, the more justification the other side has for dismissing it.
5
The article failed to mention "The Last Word" with Lawrence O'Donnell. His recent precise and surgical dismemberment of the lies and disassembling of Rudy Giuliani was breathtaking in its clarity and precision.
19
Speaking of "no brains required", I'm curious about the supposed "foreign policy wins" America in enjoying at the moment. From up here in Canada I can't see any. Perhaps it's the curvature of the earth. As for the "strong economy and jobs", you're still gliding on the hard work of the previous occupant of the WH. Wait a bit for those tariffs and "easy win" trade wars to start their inevitable course correction. And good luck with your next election with the proven meddling of your bff Putin and the hacked electronic voting machines. Must be great living in the land of the free.
8
I am 50 but not a Mom. I do have cats. MSNBC is all I watch except for Andersoon Cooper on CNN. Chris Matthews is my hero. Yes, he is a little obnoxious but I still love him. MSNBC is my daily dose of reality. I need MSNBC and when we switched from cable to streaming cable, we chose a company that had MSNBC and all of of the college football channels. And yes, I think having Brian Williams makes it all perfect.
6
This article brought me back to Sunday mornings in my parents house! I would know my dad was awake by the muted sounds of MSNBC wafting from the living room! I, a millennial without cable, still listen to Meet the Press on Sundays in podcast form while I clean!
3
I, too, am an addict. But several comments. As to Chris Matthews, just 2 words: SHUT UP. And really, I know you are proud of having learned the Yiddish word "mishigas," but you have to understand that Yiddish is all about context and you rarely use it in the proper context. I recommend Leo Rosten's "The Joys of Yiddish," if you can find it. As to Rachel M, I adore you, but for you, 4 words: GET TO THE POINT. I am tired at night. Just cut to the chase. The opening 15 minute monologue is irritating.
I love you all, but am going back to books on CD for my 2-hour RT commute. The Sirius commercials are even worse than the TV ads. Throw in the depressing news and I have to turn you off.
4
Ms. Stoeffel, you have completely described my life. I am the quintessential
"MSNBC Mom." I wake up to it and fall asleep to it. I'm so utterly disgusted and depressed by what is happening in this country I see MSNBC as a sanctuary, a safe haven that reminds me we just might be okay. You have no idea how much I would love to have dinner with Chris Hayes, Rachel Maddow, Nicolle Wallace, Ari Melber, and Lawrence O'Donnell. What fascinating conversation that would be!
9
I have roughly the same habits. The difference being, it is starting to reawaken depression and a sense of futility.
We do watch MSNBC, but also CNN, PBS, ABC and NBC and CBSevening news. We are News Junkies but skip the Faux News on Fox News. In addition we get 2 paper copies and I internet copy pf newspapers, as well as 2 News magazines.
So when friends or others talk domestic or foreign politics we quickly recognize the Fox watchers, marked by their misinformation.
We seldom comment on their positions knowing that they would not accept other views or know fact from fiction.
6
I have been a news junkie for last 55 years . I am a channel flipper . I watch Rachel Maddow shows religiously . If I am not at home, I do DVR recording the show to watch it later. I recommend all my friens to watch Rachel Maddow and Stephen Colbert shows. I watch CNN also and used to watch FOX TV. Now a days FOX TV is acting like a state news media in communist countries. They created Trump and they worship him. It may be ok but they lie or manufacture stories a lot. Senator Moynihan once said something like ' you are entitled to your but not to your facts. It will be unfair if I do not mention Lawrence O'Donnell who is very brilliant.
7
Thank you Me. Stoeffel for this wonderfully enlightening article. Now I know what I am fortunately missing by having no TV.
Dear Kat,
Glad to see this essay. I have been a fan of MSNBC for many years. But, remember it is not just about Democrats wanting more progressive politics. It is those of us who left the Democratic party in the 1990s because of their embrace of center-right politics, and became Independents, that watch MSNBC as well.
We just don't have a party.
My favorite is Lawrence O'Donnell; his knowledge of senatorial politics is critical to understanding the Congress. He also elevates women of African descent which is needed in the media.
But there has been one major contradiction with MSNBC, and I am hoping they have moved away from showing Lockdown during nights and weekends. It always irked me that this "progressive" station would profit off of prisoner (mostly poor and black and brown) voyeurism.
13
KJ......Glad you brought that up...totally agree. The Lockup show, or whatever they call it---has always been offensive and msnbc should cancel a show that profits off prisoners, no matter how they present it or spin it.
Have there been any articles critical of this in the Times or elsewhere? If not, why not?
The US has the largest % of population incarcerated of any country---isn't that amazing? It's a source of profit in more ways than one. Private prisons, prosecutors advancing their careers, and cities/states profiting with fines by people arrested for traffic violations and other things.
What our supposedly liberal network should do are documentaries analyzing why our prison population has so increased. Start with the 90s when Clinton and the GOP expanded prisons and sentencing.
Also where are documentaries comparing othe democracies and why they have lower % of population in prison? Also what procedures their police use to avoid escalating situations into the bised abuse and violence against civilians that we see here.
And why are their strict gun laws accepted by their citizens, so the threat of guns isn't ever present?
All great topics for our liberal msnbc. Or are they also just about getting ratings with sensationalism?
3
I am in the MSNBC club, too. As the pages of my calendar are falling off at a considerable pace I have more time to immerse myself in the issues of the day. I understand those that decry MSNBC as left leaning and liberal, as though that is a reason for foregoing its news. However, I do watch FoxNews cable to check out their spin on each days' events. Here is what I see:
FoxNews gives credence to the Trump lies even though they are disputed. FoxNews has a habit of omitting pertinent side facts that brings an issue to completion and better understanding. Omission is tantamount to lying, in my view.
MSNBC to my ears brings both sides of an argument into the discussion and makes the listener want to do further research to solidify what one just heard. Rachel's approach is one that you either love or find tedious. I am in the former group. Her backstories help tremendously when she finally comes to the point is invaluable. There is an understanding of a particular issue that brings it all to fruition.
I do confess that I have to get out and take a walk for 45 minutes just get cleanse myself from the day's events.
2
Msnbc is labeled liberal by the right wing. It is liberal compared to Fox which is in fantasy land. Our definitions of liberal are distorted by the dominant conservative tilt of our politics. Fox is the GOP state media monopoly, reflecting their rw policies.
2
I probably watch more MSNBC than is good for me, but it's a good antidote to the rest of the for-profit media and its chase of the latest shiny object. That said, I still miss my twin brother from another mother, Keith Olbermann. Glad he's back on ESPN again.
8
I miss "Worst Person in the World!".
4
Keith got me watching MSNBC when Rachel Maddow
was "just" a contributor to his program.
2
I am an 82 year old great grandmother, former republican. Obama was my first vote for a democrat and what a breath of fresh air he is compared to Trump. I watch three programs on MSMBC: Katy Tur, Nichole Wallace, and without fail, Rachel. I also read the NYT and WaPo as well as the Dallas Morning News which, by the way, had not endorsed a Democrat for president since FDR in 1940, until Donald Trump came along.
The fact that Nichole Wallace worked in the Bush Whitehouse and features Republican guests like Steve Schmidt, Michael Steele, Bret Stephens and others who feel the same way I do abou Trump, makes me love her show. The damage Trump is doing to this country will still be here long after I am gone and my great grandchildren are grown. How in the world has this happened? Fox News has played a big role in it. I am very grateful for MSNBC.
47
After Tuesday's primary results in California CD 4, where three amazing women ran against Tom McClintock, a Trump toady and a carpetbagger, McClintock said this: the results are "proof that the shrill voices of the left do not speak for the people of our communities." He clearly know wherein lies his opposition, middle aged women with passion, time and money to spare. Having come of age during the anti-war and civil rights movements we will not go quietly into our retirement years. We are ready to stand up and let our "shrill voices" be heard loud and clear.
18
This is so true. I'm an MSNBC mom (since Trump was elected) and I just read aloud this article to my 22 year old daughter who is a new convert to MSNBC. The other day my daughter had a long conversation with her 80 year old grandmother about what Rachel Maddow had talked about on her show the day before. Odd to say, but MSNBC has brought three generations of women together and enlivened our previously mundane conversations.
16
Why is MSNBC's Joy Reid getting a free pass after lying about being hacked after it was revealed she had published gay-bashing posts on her blog a few years ago?
Accountability is required here.
Here's what happened: Joy Reid made offensive statements about gays on her blog. Then she claimed she didn't make those statements, that she was hacked. That claim was shown to be a lie. So, both her ideology and her credibility are damaged. It's too late now, but she should have taken ownership of her earlier statements about gays, rather than creating the lie that she had been hacked.
And if this behavior is allowed, if it's okay, if that's what the left, the progressives, the liberals have become, then I don't want any part of it, and buh-bye MSNBC.
5
I'm a political junkie, so I watch a lot of cable TV news. I never watch Fox, but used to periodically catch some CNN, until I became annoyed by their constant use of "both sides" false equivalence. If one side says the earth is round, and the other side argues the earth is flat, CNN feels compelled to give both sides equal weight, even to the extreme point that if a Republican/Conservative tells an outright LIE to Wolf Blitzer, they will not challenger the speaker with a strong follow up question. Fox News is pure far-right wing propaganda, reaching the level of Joseph Goebbels in Nazi Germany, simply lying to brainwash people with actual "Fake News". So therefore I watch the networks, CBS, ABC, NBC, some PBS, but mostly MSNBC, which has a liberal bias on opinion, but reports TRUE FACTS when doing straight news. In terms of the MSNBC prime time show line up, here's my take, with a rating from a scale of 1 to 10. Ari Melber is really good, sharp legal analysis, funny rap music references,7. Chris Matthews has a lot of historical knowledge about politics, but is always interrupting his guests, 6. Chris Hayes is somewhat of a lightweight, 5. Rachel Maddow gives a lot of great in depth reporting, but is too sarcastic and snarky, and her A block opening monologue often takes too long to get to the point, 8. Lawrence O'Donnell is the best show by far. Great reporting and analysis, has good guests who get right to the point, 10. Brian Williams, mostly straight news, less opinion 9.
7
MSNBC and CNN are scripted television at this point. I don't know what the point of it is. There are no "loose" opinions on there. It is made up of liberals, Obama/Clinton official, Republicans in name only (RINOs), and NeverTrumpers who are happy to sing for their supper on TV. If you watch it enough, you can predict what each guest or panelist is going to say. They all know the best way to get invited back is to bash Trump. If you hate Trump, MSNBC and CNN are the networks for you. They will feed that hate all day long. They have reveled in unproven conspiracy theories for 18 months now. My Mom watches this garbage and it became a comfortable landing spot after Hillary didn't get "her turn". Somehow it became the front end of the NY Times and the Washington Post. If you stay stuck on MSNBC, you can tune out the strong economy, jobs, security and foreign policy wins and focus on all of the petty slights liberals feel when anyone pushes back on their 24/7 criticism of the President. MSNBC moms are the manifestation of a liberal echo chamber run amok. No clues or brains required.
6
So you prefer the chaos of Trump and Fox News? Don't think it's not calculated, even when it's not scripted.
2
I am definitely a MSNBC mom and proud of it. But I must say being over 70 and living through Trump is totally depressing. Could I spend the next 15 years living with this horror watching my 80s fast approaching? Simply unimaginable. Please Mueller make sure this does not happen.
29
The lede to the story says, "For liberal women ... there’s one place for solace and righteous indignation: cable news."
I would suggest that such read David Brooks current column, "The Problem With Wokeness."
What Brooks says is:
"In an older frame of mind, you try to perceive the size of a problem objectively, and then you propose a solution, which might either be radical or moderate, conservative or liberal. You were judged primarily by the nature of your proposal."
"But wokeness jams together the perceiving and the proposing. In fact, wokeness puts more emphasis on how you perceive a situation — how woke you are to what is wrong — than what exactly you plan to do about it. To be woke is to understand the full injustice."
"There is no measure or moderation to wokeness. It’s always good to be more woke. It’s always good to see injustice in maximalist terms. To point to any mitigating factors in the environment is to be naïve, childish, a co-opted part of the status quo."
"Indignation is often deserved and always makes for a great media strategy. But in its extreme form, whether on left or right, wokeness leads to a one-sided depiction of the present and an unsophisticated strategy for a future offensive."
What I might reduce his essay to is:
1/ Talk and indignation are cheap.
2/ Actual change requires more than moral indignation.
3/ The perfect can be the greatest enemy of the good.
4/ Manichean politics tends to accomplish very little.
1
This is absolutely me! I am this MSNBC mom. I never watched cable news until Trump, and I need something to keep me sane! Thank you MSNBC!
7
Yep, self-satisfied get a spoon-feeding of the liberal party line. No thinking needed.
5
Are you saying the same about Fox News, Info Wars, and others?
2
Hello. My name is Mueller Fan and I am an MSNBCaholic.
I don't walk alone.
34
This is me!!! I have gotten so that I record Rachel Maddow if I am going to be out at night. What is the difference in MSNBC and Fox???? MSNBC is factually sourced, and we know it is THEIR opinion, which of course is MY opinion. I started MSNBC November, 2016, and it is the only thing that gave me hope. Thank you for this article, I am not alone.
27
My friend since 2nd grade, Louise and I spent the Watergate years talking on the phone and watching the hearings while our toddler's played nearby. We are now both retired and we talk on the phone and watch MSNBC all day. It took a "trump" to make us realize that there is actually someone more despicable than Dick Nixon.
20
What a sad state of affairs we are in when we consider places like FOX, MSNBC, CNN, Breibart, the Drudge Report a serious place to get news.
My reaction to the election was to cancel cable and sell my tv. Never been happier.
3
I watch Fox News and read the New York Times and New Yorker because it's important to get a diverse view of opinions.
I've tried watching MSNBC, in particular, Rachel Maddox. I just can't make it through her show. I have no doubt that Rachel is smart (and one of my friends who works at MSNBC says she's a genuinely nice person) but Rachel loves to hear herself talk. I don't mind a little arrogance but her first segment is all Rachel talking. It's like being lectured to. Not very entertaining. Even O'Reilly didn't do that with his show (he took the first 5 minutes with his talking points and then had a guest on).
It's interesting how many NYT readers only get their news and opinions from one viewpoint. That's too bad. I think that's one of the reasons liberals have lost the ability to debate and persuade. They hear the same opinions and just think anyone who doesn't subscribe to what's obviously the right viewpoint has various character defects.
9
Yes, Rachel can be long winded. Yes, Chris does interrupt his guests from time to time. And, yes, many of the Republicans appearing on MSNBC are “Never Trumpers.” But taking all that into consideration, most of what these individuals have to say is true about an administration that is unable to tell the simple truth.
7
Where do you get the idea that NYT readers get their news from once source? First of all, last time I counted, NYT and MSNBC totals 2. You have no idea what you are talking about.
3
MSNBC is not your friend. MSNBC is a corporation with a bottom line to worry about - finding more market potential in the age of Trump does not make the watered down comfort food they are serving up any more good for you.
It’s ironic and depressing that most comments here are self proclaimed MSNBC heads, rather than maybe seeing their reflection in the mirror: you are no different than FOX News viewers caught in the parallel echo chamber, staying for the constant validation of your values and perspective.
Despite Rachel Maddow’s obsession with Russia, has it led anywhere? Apparently only in increasing her viewership. If you think Morning Joe has any interesting analysis to offer other than banal horse race comments, you need to seriously turn off the TV and actually read something.
9
Do you seriously think that people with PhD's never read? In what world?
1
Interesting but misleading article. While viewership of MSNBC has increased, especially for Madow, the ratings and viewership are still a fraction of that of Fox News. CNN even lower. I’d like to see an article about Fox News viewers. It may not confirm the stereotype NYT readers ardently believe.
6
Perhaps it just indicates there are more uninformed, uneducated people in the country than there are factually informed, well educated people. Sorry but it's not an even playing field. I'll take quality over quantity any day.
1
You just described me. The night the Iran agreement was signed Rachel described the whole enrichment process and the role of the centrifuges. I turned on Fox News and they were making fun of Kerry riding a bike. Who do you think is more intelligent? What would you want to watch?
Chris Matthews should stop interrupting his guests. I have to turn him off.
9
I personally don't appreciate the sensational/info-tainment style of reporting that MSNBC specializes in, but I appreciate its appeal to viewers and am glad that it's out there to counterbalance the all-out Russian-style propaganda that Fox is slavishly devoting itself to. At least one of my friends has relatives who were former GOP supporters who are now Rachel Maddow loyalists. Beware of comparing MSNBC to Fox though. What Fox represents is news as produced by an anti-democratic, pro-autocratic government. THIS is the big news that no amount of comparison between the networks should hide.
5
"I know where I stand politically and I want information tailored to my political objectives. "
I just can't believe this is an acceptable statement from a "journalist" these days ("opinion presenter" or "information tailor" are probably more accurate titles than journalist these days). Does anyone know where I can find a news source that reports information that hasn't been "tailored" to one group's political objectives?
That's what I used to come to the Times for. Now I just come to get the left's tailored truth, so I know what to expect out of my liberal friends.
6
Really appreciate Brad's comments about Joe and Mika being Trump enablers. I do watch MSNBC, but often hold my nose. Joe & Mika particularly annoy me. I find them both to be rude, arrogant & righteous know it alls. Mika's particular brand of candy feminism combined with her smarmy deference to Joe is particularly maddening. Their infrequent attempts at diversity and inclusion show them to be shallow & culturally conservative. Rachel & Lawrence are about all I can tolerate fully. Joy Reid is a very weak stand in for Melissa Harris Perry. And FIRE CHUCK TODD!!! He at best is a B rate journalist & normally is a glorified talk show host, afraid to really hold his guests intellectually accountable. Give the parched, dehydrated people foul water and they will drink it....Yuck!
4
No question Hayes and Maddow keep us sane with both well-documented and carefully nuanced analysis. Maddow's dark humor helps too! Somehow she can report horrifying things thoughtfully and still laugh at the absurdity. She models equanimity in these times.
To answer your last question - it looks like 1) being pragmatic enough to get an excellent moderate Dem woman candidate on the ballot in a toss-up district, such as the NJ 11th, and 2) working like hell to win in Nov '18! That's not compromise, it's sage intelligence and grit.
9
MSNBC, like all corporate controlled media, is not that liberal. Sure, it is more reality-grounded than the other two major news networks, but these networks all make sure not to offend their corporate owners, and to distract us from how the large multinational corporations are screwing us, the common people, over. The views on MSNBC would be considered centrist not long ago.
7
My retirement coincided with the election of our current President, so this is my life now. I must emphasize what others have stated more eloquently, msnbc presents facts from actual reporters. It does not LIE like fox news. Favorites are Nicolle Wallace, Ali and Stephanie, and Rachel of course. I find Chuck Todd the most unwatchable show on msnbc, too much mansplaining and pomposity, he needs to be replaced with Steve Schmidt NOW. It does tend to take over my day, but provides some relief in this trying time.
4
Why does the illustration show such young women, younger than Rachel Madow, if the article is about us 50+ ladies? I was confused at first why the author, presumably a retired woman herself, would have living parents.
Yes, MSNBC covers an awful administration, but why are so many readers glued to the TV? Become an activist. Run for office. Do something to get control over the situation rather than just being an observer.
2
Although my political views aligned with those on MSNBC, I find watching their shows, especially "Morning Joe" to be stressful. Joe and Mika specialize in vocalizing outrage, even over things about which it didn't occur to me to be overly angry. Listening to them detail the latest administration and congressional outrages has caused spiking blood pressure, headaches and stomachaches to the point where I have to turn off all the news for at least a week.
1
Thank you, it's good to know that I'm one of many.
2
I am a leftist Democrat who stopped watching MSNBC years ago when I realized how tedious it was to be repetitiously harangued even by people with whom one agrees. Watching MSNBC is like watching the Weather Channel with its looping the same stuff between commercials. If one wants to actually know what's going on, an hour of NPR and another with the NYT do the trick. If you want companionship, get a dog. Keep it or some other loved one nearby while reading a book Keep watching a screen to a minimum.
6
MSNBC is a key news source for me, but as others have observed, it's far from perfect.
Mika's vamping makes me want to throw up, esp since she styles herself as such a feminist. Her outrage about 'me too' is profoundly hypocritical, since she and Joe S were both married to others before they fell into their boss/subordinate workplace romance. Loudmouth Joe Scarborough is not nearly as smart or interesting as he thinks he is. However, many of the show's guests make it invaluable - John Meacham, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Michael Bechloss, Richard Haas, Steve Rattner, John Heilmann, Sam Stein, James Stavridas, etc.
I can't abide Rachel Maddow except for election nights. Can't abide empty suit Michael Steele, or Donny Deutch, Stephanie Rhuele. Chris Matthews can be very insightful but is also an obnoxious trainwreck. Lawrence ODonnell is smart but so sanctimonious. Kornacki is delightful but exhausting, like a puppy. Chris Hayes is smart and entertaining but thinks there's 'breaking news' every. single. day.
But as others have written, if you cut the hosts a little slack for strong personalities, they have some of the best, deepest conversations about issues of the day, and it's worth some of my time.
The rest of my news come from lots of reading from, in order of consumption, NYT, WaPo, WSJ, The Atlantic, DB, Huff Post, LAT. I guess I'm a news junkie.
4
Count me in as a proud MSNBC mom! I never miss Nicolle Wallace or Ari Melber!
I thought the article was going to be about how jazzed your MSNBC watching retired mom was about her retirement accounts thanks to Trump.
4
Most retired people fortunate enough to have a retirement account have put their investments in slow-growing conservative things in preparation for the next Great Recession which Republican Presidents and their irresponsible tax cuts always bring.
7
You aren't my daughter! Granted, I divide my attention between CNN, MSNBC, and NPR. Thank goodness the weather is good so I get outdoors and listen to the birds.
4
"An evening with Ari, Chris, the other Chris and Rachel isn’t just about licking the wounds of 2016."
What! You don't stay for Lawrence??
1
I used to turn on MSNBC every day after work, and listen for hours. But about a dozen years ago, I cut the cord. I was immediately happier, without the, frankly, the loud voices in the Keith Olbermann era.
But reading this articles and comments, I may just have to plug in again (via podcasts). It might help my sanity to reverse my course!
1
Except for the part of being a Mom, this perfectly describes, not just my daily habits (as I read the Times and the Post) but also my regard for Nicole and others who have civilized conversations with intelligent Republicans! My nieces and nephews all know it... and, even here in ruby red OK, all of the workers (male and female) stop and listen... Thank you for this column. It really does make me feel less alone!
4
Congratulations and Thanks to Rachel Maddow (9 pm ET weeknights on MSNBC) for her honest, deep-digging, smart news coverage. She gets to the bottom of the story and stays on top of important developments that affect 99% of us. Those of us who watch her regularly know she is on top of what is really happening. We TRUST her to tell us the real story.
The Rachel Maddow show is the only MSNBC show I watch religiously and I surf network news and other cable news to see who is giving us - WE THE PEOPLE - real, important news. It's slim pickings.
Owners and top employees of most major communications and entertainment businesses are firmly entrenched in the top 1/10th of 1% financial elite. They bought up their competitor and now control what we see, hear and read. Time will tell if they care more about lining their pockets with ill-gotten wealth or OUR United States of America.
Rachel Maddow leaves no doubt in our minds. Heartfelt thanks again, Ms. Maddow. Please keep up the good work.
14
Rachel, if you are reading this, please stop repeating yourself so often. Last night, you even used the same words and graphics, one time right after the other. This habit insults your audience. Otherwise, carry on with your connect the dots, fact and evidence heavy reporting.
2
MSNBC news stood to benefit from a Trump presidency which is why they gave him so much air time and attention during the elections - it was quite obvious at the time as it is now and why we have completely turned off the channel since Nov 2016. I'm surprised that other liberals haven't done the same.
1
What a nauseating bunch of smug, self satisfied snobs this writer describes! These ladies don't realize how lucky they are that 1. they still have husbands and 2. they can afford both cable and electricity. Not to mention wine. If MSNBC had any credibility at all, they wouldn't have fired Ed Schultz, but he was too old and too working class for them. Which says it all.
3
I think some men are also MSNBC Moms.
Thanks for some good fun.
5
Rachel Maddow doesn't lie.
8
ROTFL! Guilty as charged.
4
MSNBC is hardly liberal- it is corporate centrist just like the New York Times. In fact you can see more of many Times staff on MSNBC than in these pages.
I will believe the channel is a left wing equivalent to Fox when Mike Malloy gets a show on MSNBC. Do not hold your breath.
6
OK, as an MSNBC mom: (1) Fox is out of the question. (2) CNN is unbearable with an endless string of paid trump spinners that are so miserable and stupid. (3) What’s left? MSNBC. I also toggle a lot to BBC and France 24 to get more international news, which all US stations ignore too much. I also read a lot. I also feel very well informed, thank you; and Rachel Maddow, Ari Melber, and Chris Hayes are the best on any channel for ALL information.
10
Seriously?!? Is anybody actually watching MSNBC?
1
Could not disagree more, yes this is the NY Times, source of some great reporting but obsessed with hating Trump. Mikas rant yesterday on Giuliani's take on Stormy Daniels porn career sums it up for me anyways. Mika came off as pro porn. Such an ignorant stance. If those days come too often and the ratings don't go down, we are all in more trouble than we think. Actually we'd all be better off turning the TV off. Much better off.
I watch Deutsche Welle in German and besides the NYT read LeMonde and O Globo. You would be gobsmakked to find that in regards to Trump they all seem to agree.
6
MSNBS is the "Home Page" on all our TVs. But good heavens, we don't stare at it 24/7. We lead active, involved lives, AND need a sane anchor, opposed to this soul-crushing period of our repugnantly---even sordidly---administered country.
5
It appears that "Mom" and the majority of those commenting have a relatively low curiosity quotient. You learn by listening to views contrary to your own. Isn't that the justification for diversity? If you only want to hear your perspectives repeated, you will forever wallow in your ignorance. That is why I read this paper. I want to know how ridiculous the left can be and I am rarely disappointed. However, the occasional bits of wisdom found here are useful.
4
We call MSNBC "impeachment porn" at our empty nest.
6
I'll take MSNBC moms over Fox geezers any day. http://www.frumforum.com/fox-geezer-syndrome/
7
White folks talking to other white folks.
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/cable-news-wont-stop-whitesplaining...
1
I envy you for have an MSNBC mom. My mom, on the other hand, has grown quite comfortable with fascism.
5
I immediately forwarded this article to both of my children, so that they would realize I am not an outlier.
A couple of years ago, I witnessed a robbery of my neighbor's bicycles. The perp was caught and when I had to testify the defense attorney asked me how I could be so sure of the exact time it happened. The answer was simple: :The Rachel Maddow Hour" was about to start!
11
I love Rachael Maddow's show simply because of the passion that she puts in her work. Fortunately, my husband and I both are liberals but my husband does turn on Fox at times saying he needs to know the other side. That's a fair point but I do not think Fox is the resource one should turn to understand the conservative perspective. Fox is toxic. I have no idea how people like Hannity keep churning out toxic material day after day.
8
This kind of article, even though it is an "Opinion," is destroying the credibility of the NYTimes. It creates a vast category-- "liberal women" -- and puts an age group into that category making it seem like these women share the same values across the board without critical reflection and difference. "Liberal" is not defined nor is the possibility that some "liberal" women may not like MSNBC or even watch it. What is needed now is nuance and precision.
5
Couldn’t disagree more. If anything, I have the time to read more thoroughly on topics and get into the contradictions that mark real complexity.
TV has oversold itself believing that having ten people at a table expressing sound byte commentary can provide authoritative development of opinion.
I watch TV for election coverage and documentaries. And I read the NY TIMES!
1
Living in an echo chamber is always dangerous no matter the orientation of the chamber.
Also, unlike cable news consumers, wrestling fans know their shows are fake.
1
I am one of those msnbc moms. But I also watch cnn; sometimes I do go into Trump overload, but information is necessary to make informed decisions. You get the facts and more with msnbc, you get rants and conspiracy theories with Fox News. Rachel Maddow explains in great detail all the minutiae that goes into this slow moving coup d’eta of America. Sometimes it’s scary to think how this corrupt, depraved man can be here, but knowledge is so important, and with Fox that is not what you get: biggest “immigrant “ mistake this country ever made was making that weasel Rupert Murdoch a citizen, allowing him and his sleaze to permeate the newsstands and airwaves of The civilized world.
7
I'm one of these gals and I have to agree with Maggie Stoeffel.
Nicolle Wallace is far and away the network's best commentator.
She went off script once when I was watching, venting about how painful and lonely it was to be a conservative never-trumper.
I'd like her to know it wasn't for nothing. She has absolutely proven her integrity and maintained her dignity in this awful era of dt. Kudos to her conservative guests like Steve Schmidt, Michael Steele and Charlie Sykes as well. You too Bret. I always thought of all of you as hacks and fools. No more.
Nicolle, you have achieved something that is amazing to me. You have created the BEST show on a liberal network. If I didn't see it every day I wouldn't believe it was possible.
You should be proud.
7
Without MSNBC I really don't know what I would do to keep my sanity. I only started watching it when this President happened.
7
Wow. Talk about an echo chamber reinforcing opinion piece, and one that is rather depressing. I hope to see an op-ed from someone who takes neither MSNBC or Fox News at face value and looks at any news outlet more critically. This MSNBC advocacy piece basically says that old lady liberals are comforted by deliverers of news molded to their preexisting political prejudices. This aspect of their age group is not unique.
2
I love Rachel. She gives excellent narrative. MSNBC is
my nightly perch Monday-Friday. During commercials
I channel switch to CNN, PBS and sometimes FOX for
lies and cover up. Chris and Lawrence bookend Rachel
and switch over to Brian while watching Trevor on the
Daily Show. Cap it off with Steven Colbert to get some
laughs while mr. Trump continues to ruin this great
country.
6
I'm here to tell you that there are a lot of us MSNBC dads out there too. I now find myself watching this channel more than any other channel on television. In fact, I don't normally watch TV at all except for the occasional MLB game...and MSNBC. Andrea Mitchell, Alex Witt, Brian Williams, Rachel Maddow, Chris Hays, Ari Melber, Lawrence O'Donnell, Ali Velshi, Katy Tur, and Joy Reid are favorites. I can't stand Chris Matthews and Chuck Todd.
5
in another shocking breaking news story, this article neglects to mention that FOX still is the #1 cable news network. Stunning omission I'd say.
1
This sounds just like my Mom!! She even listens to MSNBC to go to sleep from her smartphone like whitenoise
1
MSNBC is the left equivalent to Fox new on the right. I find it hard to celebrate unbalanced and oftentimes misleading news on either side of the aisle. Those that celebrate MSNBC would likely quickly condemn those same 'retirees' that watch fox news all day. It's the same thing, just a different side. People gravitate towards what makes them feel good. The problem here is cable news...when you have to fill 24 hours of content, there's a lot of junk that seeps into that content. I keep encouraging my retired parents to turn off the TV and read some non-inflammatory papers/news sources. I personally like the BBC, bloomberg, and non-opinion pieces from the NYtimes. They are less exciting/emotional and more fact based, but that's the point.
1
Yes, this is me. I also read newspapers with subscriptions to the Post and Times and trust their reporting.
However, for fun its Nicole and her guests, for legal interpretations its Ari, for detail its Rachel
Yes, I scream at Chris Matthew to just quit with the interruptions and then flip to CNN.
IT IS THE ONLY WAY TO GET THROUGH THIS PRESIDENCY. I also tell my mixed race grandchildren and gay family members that there will be a better day for them when my generation is gone. Yes, i have to believe it! For my grandchildren.
7
This article mirrors my thoughts exactly. In this turbulent time where information is the key to the realm I find solace in the MSNBC line up.There is so much hyperbole and crazy twitter during the day that I enjoy the deep dives and thoughtful sourcing by the evening line up at MSNBC. I read the Times and the Washington Post but I appreciate Maddow's professorial approach to the news events of the day. I also like that their guests are not screaming over one another in a partisan bickering ratings fest. Keep it Classy MSNBC!
7
I am 68, raised by a campaign manager mom and labor orgaizer/worker dad, and totally udentify here. At breakfast mom or dad would drop the L.A.Times on the table, and start the conversation. We were then expected to share the daily events at the dinner table. The Today Show would then go on expanding our knowledge and thinking. Dressing for school or preparing for a summer day, it was the same.
My girls 46 and 35, grew up much the same way, though the 35 year old watched MSNBC instead of today. Today, I live alone, but still have my radio set to NPR and my television set to the MSNBC family. Raised with intelligent thought, I remain well informed...
5
Compared to the likes of Sean Hannity, who wouldn't know journalism if it struck him in the eye, MSNBC, as liberal in its news approach as can be, is much more palatable. As a moderate independent male, I prefer some logic and intelligence with the news. The Trumpian approach leaves me cold.
6
Wow!! I thought this phenomena was limited only to my daughter (age 53), her mother-in-law (age 97) and me (age 72). The article could have been written about us. It fits us to a "T". My daughter and I begin our days with a short phone call just before Morning Joe ends and Steph and Ali begins. The three of us have even made the same comments about Ari , the other Chris, and of course Rachel. I love Nicole, but her show conflicts with my daughter's after school mom duties and the mother-in-law's dinner hour at her senior home. I must not forget Lawrence O'Donnell, but unfortunately i am the only one who is able to watch him.
I don't have a TV, so I stream MSNBC on my laptop. This is ideal because being of the age when I sometimes (actually frequently) involuntarily 'rest my eyes' during the evening, I am able to (re)watch my shows in the late night as insomnia sets in. We all love MSNBC. It is the tie that binds, always giving us so much to talk about.
10
Retired Moms also act, not just watch cable news. All this information gathering is worthwhile, but it leaves me wondering, What do you do about it? Do you do anything to make it better? To categorize retired Moms as the TV equivalent of the younger generations' addiction to iPhones carrying Twitter and, if you're older, Facebook, can read like fun but it makes me crazy. I can't listen to the same things said over and over in a day, however righteous compared to Fox-Trump news. I'd rather listen to Audible and PodSaveAmerica as well as read newspapers on my phone or tablet. Retired is a relative term, Moms. It just has to do with shifting gears with more time to make change happen.
3
The article misses the key aspects of the differences between MSNBC and Fox as far as night time commentators go. First, Fox is probably more to the right than MSNBC is to the left. More important, regardless of their leanings, MSNBC's commentary is largely fact based while Fox's commentary is largely or entirely either independent of the facts or based on known falsehoods.
7
FOX is not licensed as a News broadcaster like MSNBC, but rather, as Entertainment.
6
I watch MSNBC through DirectTV. I have noticed that every time a commentator is just about to get to the point the sound cuts out for 5 -10 seconds and then it all comes bacl. It happens so often it cannot be a coincidence.
3
My 88 year-old mother reads the NY Times all morning, then switches to MSNBC all afternoon. As a former journalist who's always been a news junkie myself, I cannot do the same. Instead, I glance at the headlines (and Twitter) then tackle projects and/or exercise while listening to classic disco or the spa channel on SiriusXM while driving (even though MSNBC is available). I've found that I just grow too depressed absorbing all the analysis examining the sorry state of our nation with Trump at the helm. Though I've always kept up with the "news" domestic and international I've found that to maintain my sanity, I can no longer do so. I long for disappearing to a cabin in the woods where I can admire the quiet lure of nature and not feel so powerless as things crumble around us. I fear for my daughter's future and those of her generation. What is happening now is not a game. It seems a sad descent into chaos in which cable news serves only as witness, not a solution.
9
I cast my vote for the eloquent and relaxing Lawrence O’Donnell, who, thankfully, arrives at 8 PM here in NM.
7
Great fun true article. Spot on to the way I watch MSNBC, even to the glass of wine.
Cheers to Nicolle Wallace and her show.
6
I'm early fifties not retired yet but this is me. Since the 2016 election I feel I have to watch MSNBC at night to calm me down and hope that voices that care about our democracy will come back into power soon. I especially like Chris Matthews and Rachel Maddow.
7
I share your thoughts but can’t fathom how it possibly calms you down?
Oh my, this article nails it! Only difference in our empty nest home is that my husband, also a former Republican, is more enthusiastic about MSNBC than I am. Just ask our adult daughters, one liberal and one more conservative, who will confirm the truth of this author’s article. I have posted to my Facebook page. Expect to get lots of comments. Wonderful observations!
3
My retired husband and I watch MSNBC and have since the Trump phenomena. I suppose we need someone to identify with in our red enclave that now has two republicans running for the House in the general election in November. My husband manages to stay calm and let it roll off his back. Me I’m too enraged and am tuning out more to watch BBC, PBS, and CBS morning news. I fact check MSNBC thanks to my digital subscriptions to you, the Post and the LA Times.
I enjoy Andrea Mitchell and Nicole Wallace. Andrea for her foreign affairs chops and Nicole for her unabashed style of calling out Trump. Rachel drives me nuts as do most of the afternoon hosts. It started with Rachel’s tease about Trumps taxes which ended up being at the close of the show after the info was already released.
I do admit I’m addicted and it’s nice to see many more people are too though I get so angry about what is happening to our country. I suppose it would be better if everyone paid no attention to the man. It would drive him nuts and we might hear something of substance and policy from the Dems.
Perhaps we all keep waiting for the final shoe to drop where we watch Trump being carried off in handcuffs. (I’m watching a bit of Stephen Colbert’s, The Cartoon President also). If only.
3
I am the coveted white Philly suburban housewife who also works outside the home.
I got hooked on politics first with Keith Olberman who introduced us to Rachel Maddow [my fav] and then Chris Hayes and now we have the fab Nicole Wallace. Yes my day starts with Morning Joe but it's there was much more. I just started a NYT digital subscription because of the reporters I would see onair during the day and have come to admire them. Highly recommend "The Fourth Estate" documentary. It was fascinating. I joined Showtime's The Circus to follow John Heilemann, Mark McKinnon on their merry journeys. It is so easy to be engaged and both my husband and I both watch - but probably more me than him.
BUT
There is a price to spending my days with my MSNBC friends. Sometimes it gets a little overwhelming. A 'too much of a good thing" or even TMI [too much information] we are living in a time where it seems "breaking news" happens every 10 minutes. And I admit that I stream the MSNBC channel on SiriusXM when at work.
So when it gets a little crazy just change the channel and breathe. Everyone will be in their places when we switch back. Thank goodness!
5
Happily, I cannot receive FOX or MSNBC in Budapest. What a joy not to have TV as my "companion."
1
Unfortunately, Fox ‘News’ penetrated our border via their cable company, Foxtel, which refused to be ‘fair and balanced’ by
offering MSNBC, so I cut the cord.
I download all the MSNBC podcasts and Maddow, Mathews, Hayes, et al go with me.
1
So I'm in that demo. But I do not turn on the television during the day with the exception being times of national/world crisis. I know. Many of us think every day qualifies as that. But I'm talking about earthquakes, hurricanes, terror attacks and the like. It's bad for you. Doesn't matter if you are a liberal or a conservative. A steady diet of cable news rots the brain. I'm just as outraged as the next retired progressive who is thoroughly disappointed in the downfall of the republic. It's slowly unfolding before our eyes. But it's depressing, it's stultifying to vapidly consume others' thoughts, and it is too limiting. Give me the facts and I'll think, discuss and figure out my own take. My generation is too conditioned to need television to know what to think. And I don't believe it matters whether that leaves the viewer wrapped up all cozy in angry, aggrieved white privilege or simmering with outrage over the destruction of the values we thought this country stood for.
4
How is MSNBC different from Fox News? It doesn't traffic in "alternative facts."
For all its many faults, MSNBC is a guardian against despair. It serves notice that not all liberal values have been been crushed under the weight of the far right wing movement and its propaganda machine that spawned the Trump presidency and today's Republican Party.
It not only gives voice to progressives, but to traditional conservatives, who, even more than us lefties, have seen their philosophy co-opted and their values perverted by the far right propagandists, demagogues, and illiberals who now control the right wing in America.
I have more affinity with Steve Schmidt than many progressive MSNBC commentators - he speaks my beliefs in our democracy, our system of government, the rule of law, and the ideals upon which our Constitution was framed,
and my outrage as to how they are being trashed by the movement now dominated by Donald Trump.
A shout-out to Andrea Mitchell and Chuck Todd: Todd is a rarity on MSNBC - penetrating *and* calm. He'll question progressive assumptions and work at getting to the reality of the how and why without snark. Andrea Mitchell discusses foreign affairs, an oft-ignored topic drowned out by the Russia investigation, Stormy Daniels and Triump's latest tweets.
I get news from many sources; from MSNBC I get relief from the onslought of right wing propaganda and satisfaction that Trump and company have not yet drowned out influential voices of the resistance.
13
Yep, as a retired older woman with liberal politics, I drink my way through the MSNBC evening line-up. But I wouldn't call those shows news. That is unless there is only one news-worthy subject... the presidency of Donald Trump. I would call them political talk shows, or entertainment. Unfortunately, I often have had enough of the single subject of discussion by the time Lawrence O'Donnell comes on, even though I like him best. At 7:00 I switch to IDTV and watch the latest murder shows.
I am a MSNBC Mom. These shows and pod saves America have given me sanity and an anchor during these turbulent times.
Just vote America - participate in every election, every time
Hold those that destroy American institutions and consumer safety accountable
7
I prefer print...actual print. It's fact checked, produced at a slow pace that limits knee-jerk op-eds or tweets. It's more honest, regardless of the political tilt, if for no other reason than it costs much more to print than it does to maintain a website.
Talking Heads are a great band...talking heads are toxic for America. They are impulsive, snide, and geared toward attracting viewers rather than informing. I'm not even sure they are better than complete ignorance.
4
Sigh. MSNBC reports on breaking news and print based news stories all the time from a variety of news sites and often has the writers on, or other experts, to discuss the story. MSNBC anchors are NOT talking heads. They take the best of print and contextualize it.
1
This is my land and these are my people.
I needed this today.
16
A clear distinction has to be made about MSNBC and FOX. You can say one is liberal and one is GOP but that is a false equivalency.
I had an incident in a gym where a member wanted to switch MSNBC to anything but..., but then when I said okay but no FOX, he went ballistic.
I have spoken to the gym management and said FOX brings politics into the gym. The difference between FOX and MSNBC is that FOX airs lies and liars. It projects fake news. MSNBC may have a liberal bent but it is not creating fake news the way FOX is.
MSNBC is airing the truth. The guy in the gym would argue, there all the same, FOX is the GOP and MSNBC is the LIbs. This comparison really drives me bonkers.
MSNBC and CNN they are not spouting lies or creating fake news, they are reporting on exactly what is going on.
FOX is truly propaganda for Trump gfrom a very extreme point of view.MSNBC isn't extreme.
So I get the point of this article but sadly it only feeds into the narrative of this crazy Trump supporter from the gym. It bugs me to associate liberal with stations that are reporting the facts which then in this good/bad scenario, the 2 sides become the same.
8
MSNBC is a slicker form of the old Fox News.
The daily outrage is the same but Rachel says it with a knowing smirk & Bill O said it with a snarl and then, off camera, a grope. Both sets of viewers really think they are getting "fair and balanced" and not addictive, ratings fueled distortions.
Bill's old core audience is dying off and Rachel's is getting gray.
1
Don't forget Lawrence O'Donnell. His solid evidence-based reporting late at night renews my spirits when they have been sagging all day from latest Trump news. Many times I can't even take in the day's news and just tune into Mr. O'Donnell to make sure the country is still ok. Thank you Mr. O'Donnell!
6
Joking?
No she's not joking.
I’m compelled to comment on Kat’s artful and hilarious prose: “password-borrowing millennial”? “Both-sides-ism”??
I haven’t heard these before so I’m assuming they are Kat-Kreated... Brilliant!!
I’m in awe of people who can turn a phrase with such creativity.
Thanks for the hand-muffled-commuter-train- guffaws, Kat.
2
Uh it is also one place of refuge for this retired guy. Other places of refuge are Bash Bish Falls which never fails to lift my spirits, binge watching shows on Amazon Prime and Netflix and soon joining with neighbors to defeat our disingenuous Ayn Randian Congress critter Faso.
3
msnbc is the exact opposite side of the coin of fox news. It just depends which tribe you want to belong to. One channel is ridiculously liberal, msnbc, and is ridiculously conservative, fox news. Don't be ignorant, there are intelligent people in both tribes. unfortunately there will never be a modetate news media outlet liberal or conservative. It wouldn't be profitable. The truth is people will always buy into the depths of their emotions before the heights their logic.
MSNBC is certainly left of center, but the reporting is based on facts. Maddow should win some kind of award. Fox too often ignores facts and lapses into talking points. Not equivalent.
6
Your mom is right - Nicolle Wallace is a superstar. She and Steve Schmidt are my two favorite former republicans. Whip smart and sensible.
8
Agreed! MSNBC could do all of us a favor, however, by dumping Hugh Hewitt.
3
I tape almost all the MSNBC shows and pick and choose as the day goes on. It's great to be retired here out west in this time zone where I can watch the MJ I've taped whenever I get up, lunch with Nicolle (although her voice is kind of grating), pick up Ari Melber mid-afternoon, fix dinner with Chris Matthews and have dinner with Rachel. Brian Williams comes on here at 8 p.m. and then I'm done. Brian is a fantastic reporter and has a "way with words" that entertains so I really like his show. Pity his show is sort of late for East-coasters.
I do wish they'd get some new b-roll, though. Over and over the same shots. Better yet, eliminate most of the b-roll (we know what the orange monster looks like! and how many times do I have to see Michael Cohen get into that taxi!) and just focus the camera on the interviewer and interviewee. All the b-roll is just distracting.
6
"I do wish they'd get some new b-roll, though. Over and over the same shots."
Good point. With some TV programs, there is no information in the visual content. Those TV programs could just as well be radio programs.
Omg- MSNBC and CNN-please STOP with 24/7 Trump. I can't watch anymore.
1
As a matter of fact, I would like to hear more from your Mom and about all the Moms and retired women in pink hats who are doing the work right now. I am tired of hearing from hipsters, white guys like Brooks twisting themselves into morality pretzels and ALL about Trumpers. New York Times coverage of the woke women making calls, licking the envelopes and running the campaigns has been much too thin.
3
MSNBC and Fox News, same thing just different camp. Got it, check.
1
Stop it! MSNBC is not "liberal" nor is it a left wing version of Fox.
If only...as the great majority (3m plus based on the last election) are not being served.
2
Retire Chris Matthews. Give the slot to Steve Schmidt. Seriously.
7
Good morning it is 7:32am est here in Ct. and I am watching Morning Joe. The conversation right now is on Abraham Lincoln's criminal case. Good stuff. Earlier it was Giuliani' mess.
Giuliani who was the former Mayor of NYC spouting his and trumps junk. Giuliani has no room to talk. He moved his mistress into the mayoral residence while his wife was still there. Oh well such is the role of the big mouths.
5
"... Morning Joe. The conversation right now is on Abraham Lincoln's criminal case. Good stuff."
Pop quiz: What is the significance of "Abraham Lincoln's criminal case"?
Guilty, as charged. Captured our group of crazies to a tee. I'm not retired but may as well be. Watching MSNBC takes up the whole day and night.
3
There are no liberals at MSNBC, they are Neoliberals, the people who gave us Trump.
1
Umm, I think this makes me an MSNBC dad.
3
I spend more time with MSNBC than I do with most of my family members.
But politically, I’m feeling somewhat lost.
Am I a liberal, a progressive? To be either must I align with Israel bashers and intersectional anti semites? With Farrakhan embracers and of late, ADL haters (who pressured Starbucks to disinvite ADL from anti bias training). I cannot side with mutual endorsers who I find hateful and repugnant.
And some days I’m even disgusted with MSNBC. Their coverage of Israel is extremely biased. And on those days, I turn to FOX. But please ...don’t tell anyone.
1
"Am I a liberal, a progressive?"
Why do you need to label yourself?
Best two opening paragraphs! You nailed me.
3
More evidence that progressives are intellectually bankrupt. MSNBC? You can't call it a news stations. I'm sorry -- its biases are more blatant than FOX plus you get the dose of moral superiority from many of the MSNBC anchors. Sometimes when I go to the gym it is on and I have to look away. Too much stupid in one place and I ain't talking about me. I'm talking about the little box the MSNBCers live in.
Let's face it. The left has nothing but outrage that they can't even use to help accomplish something meaningful. And why's that? No ideas -- other than hating Trump and identity politics. Neither will win you a kewpie doll.
1
Turning away from MSNBC at the gym because they make your Fox bubble decidedly stuffy and uncomfortable, more likely. Your false equivalency of the sheer lies of Fox vs. real journalism (albeit with a liberal slant--doesn't change the facts they provide) all but assures it.
2
Tbroom -- you've made the perfect case for why progressives shouldn't be let out by themselves. If you can't see the intense partisanship of MSNBC, and their careful selection of "facts" their emphasis on rumors and innuendo, then... I can't help you.
If you are unfortunate enough to be an MSNBC mom you must be an eternally pessimistic, hate Trump 24/7 person. Thankfully the rating of that network are in the tank because only the hate America first crowd (die hard democrats) watch that drivel. That is a pathetic existence. Turn on Fox and be happy. Collusion is a hoax. The deep state is being exposed. America is being made great again. Don't miss it.
1
It is the President who is a 24/7 hate machine. mSNBC is the 24/7 hand-wringing response t him.
4
This column feels like some sort of luxurious sociological caricature. In a post-Trump era, I could really do without the gee-whiz false equivalencies and the "matronizing" tone. It is worth looking at the phenomena of the tv news wars and the role MSNBC plays in the resistance movement, but I wish the Times had published your Mom's essay instead of your too cool observations of her habits.
3
OMG. That’s me. Don’t forget Andrea at noon. My motto: MSNBC all day every day.
5
Why do we watch MSNBC? Smart newscasters, reporting the facts, well-researched stories, plus they have discussions with >adults<, not syncopats in an echo chamber. Real news with really intelligent people.
17
terri -- you are kidding aren't you? I mean -- MSNBC does nothing all day but bash Trump or push progressive narratives -- both threads being fact free for the most part. They are the worst group of news casters I've ever seen. I try to watch once in a while but their incompetence is startling.
Looking forward to the piece about Fox News Dads.
I enjoyed this article but hate both the title and the general "Mom" cliche. Why do we frame women and their political views in this gendered, agist ghetto? Also, in terms of what Stoeffel describes, my brother-in-law is the biggest MSNBC mom I know....
4
Here’s another possibility: Be a bit less focused on yourself and your angst, and get out and do something useful for other people.
3
Wonderful article - but Ms. Stoeffel unfortunately neglects to mention Lawrence O'Donnell. An unforgiveable oversight.
4
Cable TV news and opinion/commentary brings to mind Shakespeare's Macbeth: " It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.”
3
"Cable TV news and opinion/commentary brings to mind Shakespeare's Macbeth: ..."
You didn't say how much "Cable TV news and opinion/commentary" you actually watch.
MSNBC showed its true colors when it dumped Ed Schultz.
3
Don't forget the sharp-smart acerbic @Lawrence. His is usually the first show we can see after work and dinner here in the Mountain Time Zone (8 p.m. MDT), followed by the obsequious Brian Williams (not my favorite) at 9, and then Rachel at 10. We love Rachel but sometimes she does a good impression of a schoolmarm laboring a point ad nauseam. And being a guy, I keep wanting to send her a necklace to wear, but know that's not her style. Children of the '50s and saner times, I don't think my wife and I could avoid the psychiatrist's couch and/or alcoholism were it not for our nightly dose of MSNBC.
4
THIS IS SO MY MOM. spot on, spot on. My MSNBC Mom refers to Rachel as if she were her close friend she sees regularly. When I call her on the phone, her political thought of the day usually comes up within 3 minutes.
5
I love playing the clip from election night 2016 of Rachel Maddow telling viewers, while she waves her pencil around and adds up the electoral college votes, that there is no way for Donald Trump, no avenue at all for him to win the election. Doh!
We cut the cord years ago. We only turn on the TV when the grandkids are visiting.
When we sit, it's so that we can read the NY Times and Washington Post. We have digital subscriptions to both. We'd much rather spend our money to support those journalists. We also read the BBC news.
You can listen to many of the most popular MSNBC programs as podcasts. I listen to Rachel 5 days a week. I also listen to the NY Times "The Daily" and "Caliphate", National Review's "The Editors", "Intelligence Matters with Mike Morrell", "Pod Save the World" and NPR's "Up First". There are many fine podcasts that will give you a balanced view of the world and you don't have to sit in front of the TV to do it.
3
I watch all the MSNBC shows but I don't have cable. The advantage of streaming is that you can skip the repetitious parts and long introductory narratives to get to the meat of the news stories. Saturday Night Live does a great send up of Mika and Joe and their flirty bickering. After you have heard one Mika pouty rant and dozens of Joe's tales of being a Southern conservative politician, there is no reason not to skip to the guest who usually is someone with something intelligent and thoughtful to contribute. I don't dare miss Rachel because she does stories and gives necessary background that no one else does. For those who don't have the time for that detailed background and the story telling, just use the fast forward. Rachel is for people who want to know how we got to where we are and try to make sense of it all. For sanity saving comfort, it's Colbert, Seth, Noah, James and Bill Maher. Their job is so much easier now that the news demands we laugh at it just to stay sane. It's just as bizarre and we feel it is and we have to laugh at its absurdity to stay sane waiting for reality to catch up. Come uppance has to come sooner or later. We need to be assured that the chickens will be coming home to roost.
6
As an educated retired professional, I read many publications daily as well as tune into MSNBC. The anchors I most enjoy, for their intelligence and presentation of facts, are: Stephanie Ruhle, Ari Melber, Joy Reid and Lawrence O’Donnell. I enjoy posting comments on Twitter and the N.Y. Times and WaPo websites. Never in my life have I witnessed such a corrupt, disturbed, ignorant person to represent our country. The words out of his mouth alone require no interpretation from MSNBC. I am intelligent enough to evaluate this man and often make comments that are repeated verbatim right after I make them, by panel members on the programs that I watch. I no longer recognize this country and am not proud of the electorate who voted for trump. I hope for justice to prevail, every single day.
5
I’m a part time MSNBC mom. Having confidence and having a way to share it are two different things...especially if you live in such a politically fundamental state as NC. I take my outrage back to my legislators directly...by email. (Honestly, they are so fundamental that Tillis’s site will not even accept your message w/o a prescribed surtitle for your name. Seriously?)
What IS serious is the real reason for needing a driver’s license to vote or separating children and parents at the border, or building a wall with American tax dollars, or selecting swampy Cabinet members, or allowing pesticides in our air, land, and water, or proposing tariffs that dis-employ Americans, etc ....and mostly, all the folks in Washington who follow the Pied Piper of Lies with an absolute abandonment of concern for the future of our precious country. How will history record this unbelievable gap of character and integrity?
3
"And it excited me to consider what Democratic slates might look like if a generation of MSNBC moms were more engaged, more confident and less compromising."
Said another way: Democrats, of which MSNBC moms are a crucial backbone, are too polite. The recent primaries seem to bare out this narrative. I remember discussing the 2016 election with a MSNBC moms and they couldn't offer a single argument in favor of Clinton aside from "not Trump." Not because they didn't have another argument. Because they were too polite. People in my demographic tend to have supported Sanders. I feel as though these ladies feared abusing my political sensibilities. Personally, I would have welcomed the debate.
I'm not sure you should describe me as "progressive." I'm not a conservative and I'm not a liberal. Not by any strict definition anyway. That doesn't leave many options. "Progressive" seems to be the catch-all these days. I prefer "independent" however that seems to suggest a right-leaning tendency that's equally inaccurate. I will say I've never watched television news and I got rid of my only TV when the power button broke in college. I never really had a cord so there was no cord to cut.
I certainly don't live an echo chamber though. You should try becoming a political contrarian in Utah. Philippe Petit ain't got nothing on me. I wish more people, men and women both, would choose to get out there and thread the needle.
1
Liberals need to compromise among themselves. One definition of a being a liberal is acceptance of other cultures, sexuality, and race. However in those groups there are still biases. For example, African Americans and Hispanics are not as pro gay as the LGBT community would like. Liberal pro lifers are just as adamant about their anti abortion stand as any conservative. Therefore a liberal would support a supreme court justice from the conservative side before they would support a pro choice candidate. We keep losing elections based on this fissure between us. The conservatives are united as evidenced by good people supporting the alt right president. MSNBC tries to bring us all together and it is a very difficult task. I hope they continue to strive to educate the populace. MSNBC does have a liberal/democratic bias however they rarely get facts wrong. I also watch and listen to FOX and It seems like I am watching Pravda from the cold war days.
2
It was fascinating to read about the author's "retirement age
age mom"and where her favorite sources of news are
located. For myself I have come to point where I have to read
the news only because the incredible amount of opinions is
chaotic noise to me.I don't turn on the t-v news at all.It has taken Mr.Trump's election to really made me think about what my responsibilities are as a citizen of this wonderful
but imperfect country and how I am going to help the
Democratic party produce change in 2018 and 2020. For me,
another "retired mom",I am committed to those Democratic
candidates here in n.j.who will be brave enough to do the hard work of restoring hope to people where I live in Union.j.
Mr.Trump has done me a great service --he has outraged me
with his inflammatory and devisive behavior so much he has
snatched me away from my computer screen and out my door to help give my Democratic party my time --not only my
"TALK"but now in whatever little way that I am able to--I will
make it my personal priority to WALK MY TALK in my town
4
I’ve found reruns of the big band theory during the evening news time and the Beverly hillbillies during morning joe quite soothing
In your list of MSNBC stars, where is Laurence O'Donnell, perhaps the best of the lot?
As for Nicole Wallace, her frozen, phony-looking smile is repulsive and her handover chit-chat with Chuck Todd not much better. Give me a serious woman commentator anytime--someone like Andrea Mitchell or Rachel Maddow.
My sentiments are exactly the same. After reading so many glowing comments about Nicole Wallace, I was beginning to think something is wrong with me. However, your comment expressed exactly how I feel, including the Andrea Mitchell and Rachael Maddow.
My wife in her spare time likes to watch HGTV. We get the WSJ, NYTime and WashPost, there is enough editorial opinion for her to consider. BTW, last night she watched the Capitals start to finish. No news.
"For the past 20 years, right-wing talk radio and Fox News..."
Perhaps Ms. Stoeffel should consider why the appellation "right-wing" appears so often in the mainstream media but seldom if ever "left-wing". Does it not exist? This example of media bias, denied by the media itself, is reason enough for her mother to question whether she's getting both sides of issues by spending so much time with MSNBC.
Myself, I watch CNN and Fox in addition to reading the NYT and an array of political writers in Real Clear Politics, including brilliant writers like Andrew McCarthy whom you seldom see on CNN or in NYT op-eds. My conclusion? If you're not exposed to a healthy diet of opinion diversity you're stuck in Plato's cave, living in a world of shadow "truths". You're fooling no one but yourself if you limit your opinion exposure to the likes of Rachel Maddow.
4
I read the NYPost for the local right wing point of view. The yappers on Fox are just an auditory assault.
1
Given that at my last dentist appointment with my same gender, same age group dentist ended with us ranking the MSNBC anchors, I can confirm the thesis of this article. Oh and Nichole Wallace was ranked #1 (sorry Maddow, you are on too late for me)
1
Yes, MSNBC is the Democratic equivalent of Fox, with one big difference....they do it without lying.
33
And without touting conspiracy theories.
4
Agree MSNBC has assembled a Killers Row (to reference the legendary line-up of Yankee sluggers from years ago). All have their particular virtues, but Nicole Wallace leads the pack with her knowledge, fetching wit, lilting laugh, and, yes, her sexy way with her glasses (guaranteed to gather "passes", contrary to the old saying). And to think she once worked for (shudder) Republicans!
Rachel, on the other hand, could be less "cute" and get to her points with quicker dispatch. And does she own any garb other than funereal black?
2
...While other retired, liberal moms are running for office! I hope these liberal women who love MSNBC so much are also helping out with the many campaigns that need help this year.
6
What I will say about MSNBC is that they don’t hide their viewpoint behind “neutrality” as other hyper-left networks (CNN) do.
1
I find this article pathetic. All this cable news is not so much news but either far right or far left talking heads spewing their
Rhetoric. The talk radio is just the Same. It all serves to add gasoline to the far and stoke up even more bad will.
People need to stop watching tv, read books and find
Other ways to occupy their time.
2
MSNBC is my link to sanity. This is where I go to hear intelligent, thoughtful, educated people debate the issues of the day as well as the latest insanity from Orange Lucifer. I start the day with Joe & Mika, and then hang out with Stephanie Rheule & Ali Velchi. I pick up in the afternoon with Nicolle Wallace and later in the day with Ari Melber who is the latest superstar in the MSNBC stable of young stars. Later in the evening it's time for Chris Matthews, Chris Hayes, the incomparable Rachel Maddow, Lawrence O'Donnell, and then I finish the day with Brian Williams. These people keep me grounded and sane. Their guests are people of substance, former U.S. Attorneys, intelligence officers (Malcom Nance), and experts in the functioning of the U.S. Economy. What I hear on MSNBC is reasonable, rational discourse and analysis of current events. On Faux Noise you get psychobabble and conspiracy theories. Faux appeals to juvenile simpletons while MSNBC is the medium of choice for rational educated intelligent people!
14
The ratings for this demographic would be even higher if Comcast didn't place MSNBC in the higher priced bundles. For my location you have to spend $200/month to include MSNBC. CNN is the only solace.
3
It’s ok for Americans to watch opinionated TV talk shows ONLY if they make sure they get real factual news from bonafide, professional news sources such as NYT, WSJ, WashPost, and a few foreign ones like the Financial Times.
But social media, particularly Facebook is truly evil as it’s algorithms control the content u get and create a distorted, dangerous ‘echo chamber’ reality.
The new definition of insanity: watching MSNBC over and over and over again, and expecting the news to be different.
2
I'm willing to bet that there are very few rooms that Rachel Maddow walks into in which she is not immediately far and away the smartest person present.
Of course, that's exactly why the Republican conservatives have such conniption fits about her. (That, and I suspect many sexist conservative males just can't deal with the fact that Rachel would have absolutely no sexual/romantic interest in them. Must poke their egos something fierce.)
6
Women will save this country and the world! It's time for us men to step aside and let them take the reign. We have done enough damage! Thankfully they are engaged as never before.
2
Looking forward to the day that articles about older men refer to them as “dads.” I’ve lived through the era of “soccer moms” and “safety moms.” Why people identify women as mommies when discussing their political views is both too cute and dismissive.
4
I confess, we are an MSNBC household. Together with the Times and the Post, they are working to learn what is really going on in this faithless Republican government and unearth and point out its venality. My one request, Chris and Rachel, please stop reading documents you put on the screen. I can read, I do read a lot, I find it annoying to have someone read to me what is right in front of me. If you don't have anything to say about it, post it and then move on to the panel to discuss it. When you read documents I move to the BBC news or do the dishes.
1
Not everyone can see well enough to read on a TV screen.
1
My MSNBC lineup, which begins with Nicolle Wallace and her panel, most of whom I refer to as my 'righteous republicans,' continues through to Brian Williams. (Note: I usually tape Rachel through Brian while taking a break to watch something deliciously non-Trumpland-ish and then watch my prime time MSNBC shows after I've been fighting Russian occupation in Norway or trying to keep my head attached to the rest of me in Versailles.) I have, though, reached a point where i had to let Chris Matthews go because the decibels reached and his rapidity of speech (age has not tamed him) induces palpitations which is gilding the lily in these angina-provoking days of Trump.
So when it comes to MSNBC, which is indeed my sanity clause, you have me nailed: C'est Moi!
2
A shoutout to the legal analysts on MSNBC (and many are women): Jill Wine-Banks, Joyce Vance, Barbara McQuade, Mimi Rocah, Maya Wiley, Jennifer Rodgers, Katy Phang, Nick Akerman, Paul Butler, Danny Cevallos, Harry Litman, Liz Holtzman, and all of the others. I know I missed some, but it's an incredible professional lineup, unmatched by any other network. And Includes two Watergate prosecutors and a Watergate Congresswoman.
5
Thank you for listing the vast number of credentialed women (and men) who appear on MSNBC. They provide credible, factual information to us and their reputations are impeccable.
5
Yup, count me in. Mostly Morning Joe and later the Hardball rant-of-the-day from Matthews. I miss Rachael as we turn over to network national news during her time slot.
Two things keep the mute button close at hand; the ever-increasing commercials and the repetitive focus on one or two stories.
And the speed-talking. Poor Chris Matthews...more and more muffing words as he tries to outdo some verbal Fitbit score. And now I see the same things in local news...and even fast-talking weather reports! Slow down.
And guys- lose the suit/tie uniforms! So 50s! During the day- a break. For my audio books. Go Audible!
2
I don't have a television, so I get snippets of the various MSNBC news shows from YouTube. When MSNBC doesn't post TRMS or only snippets of her show, it makes me crazy; fortunately, there are usually a pirate or two out there who will post the whole thing, and if I time it right, I get to watch it before it's yanked. I love, love, love Rachel's sideways slant on various issues, the way she sees a little thread at a seam and pulls it until she's unraveled a new point of view or has created an in-depth narrative that ties various tugged threads together.
I like Chris Hays's Thing 1:Thing 2 and Ari Melber's lawyerly look at issues, but find Chris Matthews insufferable and Lawrence O'Donnell too pompously ponderous.
GO RACHEL!!!
2
I didn't even know I was part of this group! I have begun to turn momentarily to other programs when the same story is on hour after hour, but, like an addict, must turn back for the latest breaking news. However, it isn't breaking news if it happened the day before! Thank god it's tennis season so the French open and Wimbledon are go to sites. I guess I keep watching for the moment that certain children of political players are perp walked to the police station, Mueller reveals all and the House of Cowards begins discussing the "I" word. What did MSNBC discuss before Trump came down the elevator? I can't remember.
2
"Today, it's liberals who feel that their way of life is under siege"
That makes sense, considering that the liberal status quo is based in explicitly racist/bigoted identity-politics: Affirmative action, gender pay gap myths, hiring diversity quotas...
Anyone who is surprised by the pendulum swinging back from this extreme of non-representative government policy is laughably out of touch.
3
This article is me 101%. Since retiring 9 years ago, the channel doesn’t move from MSNBC and happy hour begins with Ari. My husband said I need the intellectual stimulation since retiring. Thanks MSNBC!
2
I love MSNBC too. Especially Rachel, Chris Hayes, and Lawrence. (I don’t watch TV early in the day, or usually past Lawrence’s time, so I’m not familiar with the other anchors very much.) I think they speak the truth. They seem to be balanced in their reporting, and their guests are very informative. Occasionally we see a Republican implode on air, which is always fun to watch.
But this article addresses the “tribe” of women who are watching the world unfold and trying very hard to understand it. It’s vital to understand this, it’s survival. Thank god for this programming and the people who put it out there for all. MSNBC helps us get through this attack on all of us.
As for those comments about keeping the TV on too much, don’t be so sanctimonious. At this point, one needs to join the world and not hide. It’s the only way to prepare for the changes coming. They will be game-changing and serious. In two words...climate change.
6
I watch MSNBC as well. I love Nicolle Wallace and always wait eagerly for a spirited soliloquy from Steve Schmidt. The only drawback of prolonged viewing is that, being of a certain age, I get bombarded with commercials about treatments for illnesses, prescription drugs, teeth implants, reverse mortgages, annuities, life insurance, and the like.
Later in the evening when there are younger viewers on board, the network trusts me with commercials for cars.
I generally read while the TV is on, but keep the channel on MSNBC hoping for news of potential salvation of our sick government.
12
So true about those commercials. They wear me out.
3
Sounds like seeking more confirmation bias.
Rachel Maddow doesn't help me become more informed.
She makes me want to change the channel. I don't need any more self-righteousness in my life.
I read three to four newspapers a day - NYT, Wapo, Wall St. Journal, and I may look around for my fourth paper.
I don't want anyone from Fox or MSNBC barking at me.
6
You hit the nail on the head. For so many of us, it feels unwise (at best) to throw ourselves ALL INto the resistance. Instead, I have some MORNING JOE, work some, take a look at THE BEAT, and just rest in knowing we are NOT alone.
What is sad is how cut off we feel.
2
Aside from working to get voters to the polls in my state, the things that are getting me through this nightmare are the comment threads in the Times, Rachel, Jennifer Rubin's twitterings, and the excellent work appearing in book form, like Doughnut Economics (written by a woman who's a renegade Oxford educated economist). I watch CBS just on the chance that Elizabeth Palmer, Deborah Patta or Holly Williams will be on. Susan B. Anthony and Harriet Tubman would be proud to see so many women in the forefront of the resistance!
2
I don't have cable but I put the Morning Joe podcast on about 8:30 when I'm getting breakfast, cleaning up the kitchen etc. each person takes a turn saying the same thing so I don't really have to pay attention. It's just background noise. But it's my kind of background noise. I don't think I could do a fox podcast.
2
Congratulations to MSNBC, which has copied the Fox News business model and is seeing some success. Everyone needs some comfort food now and then. As for the author’s discovery that retired folks watch TV, good for her, too.