Obama campaign confronts WGN radio

It is ashame that Milt couldn't keep the show on track. Would have been nice to hear more details about the findings thus far.

This is "hope?" This is "change?" Shout down the opposition! Bully them! Make threats! How dare you question the great and powerful Obama!
Is this really what America wants? How does an action like this fill anyone with "hope?"

I thought he was going to move us away from the slash and burn style of politics. The more he tries to silence his critics the more he looks like Rev. Sharpton and Rev. Jackson organizing boycotts against Coca Cola and Denny's. Come on Obama - what are you affraid of. I idon't see McCain running around trying to silence his critics with call in campaigns. Buck up Barack. If you can't stand the heat, let Hillary take her shot.

$100,000,000 with no improvement in the problem?
What was done with the money?

I have no idea as to the veracity or accuracy of Mr. Kurtz's research, although it was clear he has spent a good deal of time researching primary and secondary sources.

The most disturbing aspect about this evening's show was that the overwhelming majority of calls from Sen. Obama's supporters were truly incomprehensible. There was no rebuttal to individual assertions or any specificity to exactly what points they found offensive, slanderous, or flat out lies. Unfortunately, this type of emotionally, uninformed ranting is par for the course among the blind supporters of both left- and right-wing politicians. It goes to show how little this election is about "change." Rather, it reinforces the long-standing tradition of too many Americans lapping up the soundbites of politicians such as Mssrs. Obama and McCain.

I was one of the Obama supporters who called the show. As a long time listener to the Milt's program, I brought up the fact that a week after the 9/11 attacks, Milt had on a prosecutor from Ohio who wanted Northwestern Law graduates to stop donating money to the school because Bernadine Dohrn, Bill Ayers' wife, was on the faculty. He was, in essence, comparing Dohrn to the 911 terrorists. Milt did have on a dean from the school that night, but all the dean could do was not comment because, of course, he was Ms. Dohrn's boss, and it would have been highly inappropriate for him to comment. To me, it sounded like "daming by not commenting".

I called into that program and voiced my opinion that it sounded like guilt by association. I believe it's the same now. I asked Milt to upload a copy of that show on his archive, and I hope he does.

Even with George W. Bush's popularity at it's apex, the prosecutor's campaign was an utter failure.

I think those who codemn Obama's association with Ayers should remember that many US soldiers behaved like terrorists during the Viet Nam war. I think the soldiers shouldn't be judged harshly today because of the actions they did at that time. Certainly, the soldiers' wives, co-workers, and co-board-members should not be judged as if they, too, were terrorists.

As Bill Clinton used to say "That dog don't hunt".

Milt always has terrific, informative, well balanced shows.

It's unfortunate that the Obama campaign people cannot deal with criticism. IF he's going to be president, they'd better get used to it, it comes with the job ...

Another sign of what a Socialist would do to personal Freedom and silence the truth.

Obama is not shouting down his critics or trying to restrict free speech. He just wants the media to be responsible and not peddle misleading innuendo. The problem with the people calling in was that Kurtz has few facts for them to refute. It is all false implications and accusations of guilt by association. Many Chicagoans have been associates with Bill Ayers through education reform including Mayor Daley. Does this make Daley unfit to be mayor? Does this mean its ok to insinuate that there is something sinister about Daley?
Another thing. If you want to see his "research", Kurtz referred listeners to articles that you need a subscription to read. Why isn't it publicly available?
Obama is asking the nation to rise above the politics of fear. He is not trying to restrict freedom of speech.

We can do better in America and President Obama shall enable us to do better. Which is why he needs to be reelected this November.

For example, the bottom 40% of wage-earners in America pay zero of the income tax received by the Treasury Dept. In contrast, the top 20% of wage-earners in America, those with incomes above $215k, currently pay 86.3% of all income taxes received. We can do better. We do not need 8 more years of the status quo. President Obama can return America to Americans by legislating that the bottom 80% of all wage-earners pay zero percent of all income taxes received, and making those in the top 20% pay 100% of all income taxes received at the Treasury. We can do better and we shall do better after President Obama wins reelection in November. 86.3% is the status quo and Bush/McCain represent the status quo meaning they are happy with the top 20% of wage-earners only paying 86.3% of all income taxes received.

Next, in agreement with what California Rep. Maxine Waters asserted at a House Judiciary Committee meeting last May 22, President Obama should seize all oil companies in USA since the U.S. Government can run them better than the oil companies. We can do better. We will do better. HOPE is the way forward.

(Source for the tax numbers, US Congressional Budget Office, Effective Historical Federal Income Tax Rates, 1979 to 2005, study released December, 2007.)

The Obama haters aren't pleased with the response to Stanley Kurtz.

Too bad. We have a Constitution in the nation that allows freedom of speech. Kurtz gets to spread slander. He also can address the pushback.

If Zack Christianson put this show together, he did poor work. The records have only been released a day or so. Why not wait until we see if there's any "there" there.

If there's a bombshell, Kurtz will share it. If nothing is found, Kurtz's fifteen minutes are over. Dr Milt, why do you let your producer submit work slopped together in haste?

A couple of years ago, I was kicked off DemocraticUnderground for voicing an opinion that they didn't like. 1,000 posts, cash contribution, a former democratic party office holder, but I wasn't a good enough democrat for them. I learned a very valuable lesson about the left -- they are no different than the right. They are big on free speech until it is something they don't want to hear.
O's campaign was asked to participate, they refused. Supporters should have gotten a clue when he promised to protect our speech/privacy rights and then voted the opposite on FISA.

So what did Kurtz say he found?

I see the " hope and a prayer" Bush-McCain Republicans are holding their collective breath, again!!! Maybe, there is a scandal here, with which, we can finally stop the Democrats!!!! Guys and Gals, take a deep breath and start studying the issues, because there are no scandals, other than the ones the Republican's have allowed to blossom, under the lack of their leadership. I will not remind you of that familiar list of their ineptitude, even school children know of their disregard for the average American citizen. We have clones of the clown prince of the air waves, Ruse sLimbaugh, slimming all over our radios, looking for a scandal !! Well, if they wanted a scandal, it would be their unrelenting hoping and praying for Senator Obama's downfall, at all cost. Even if they have to fabricate one, even if they have to pretend to have one. Now, how is that for desperation, how is that for despicable !!? Theirs is an endless quest, into the realm of fantasy and make believe. They will still be searching for a scandal when Senators Obama and Biden are installed as our President and Vice-President. Then, you can watch and learn how you search out and prosecute real scandals, that which the Bush-Cheney administration may have engaged in for the last 8 years.
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE AND WHOLE. NOW.

Obama had no relationship with Rezko until the Tribune backed him into a corner and his pastor was a "saint" until the video showed up. Ayer's just happened to live in his neighborhood according to Obama until Mr. Kurtz dug up these files. Three strikes and you're out!

Sounds like some one is trying to hide the truth-
This worries some of us; if Obama is elected, is America in for a Socialsim-

Williams Ayers once set a bomb to blow up the police memorial at Haymarket Square, yet years later Mayor Daley tapped him for his expertise in education to help lead Chicago's school reform. That he was a sixties radical would appear to be a minor consideration to people who need his knowledge and experience. Chicago has clearly moved beyond the culture wars of the 60s. It's what you bring to the table that matters. Obama is right to associate with people like Bill Ayers because they're the ones improving public education here, not the conservative media.

I think the show was great. If Obama did not have anything to hide he would not be worried about it. Things like this need to be brought out in the media. Obama is connected with Ayers in his past and people need to know what we are dealing with. Great show Milt as always.

Me thinks the Obama campaign mishandled this situation completely and have messed with the wrong guy. Milt may not have been gunning for Obama, but I bet he will now. Watch Obama lose Illinois.

This Obama tactic is nothing new. The old Soviet Union dictated what radio stations could air and offered free vacations to Siberia for those who disdained. It all worked so well.

America came together for a brief time after 9/11. What a good feeling that was during such a tragic time. I think most of America remains regretful that that feeling did not last. So what happened? Why didn’t it last? Well - it seems to me…. I hope you will consider Obama and The Media vs. Center Left, Center, Center Right, and Right “Thinking” America. This is found at:
http://zachjonesishome.wordpress.com/2008/08/08/obama-media-vs-thinking-america/

Yep, Obama complained about the New Yorker and his supporters tried to destroy them. A recent occurance of a reporter trying to shoot photos of Dems with some VIP donors in Denver has been arrested for being on a public sidewalk. The politician in Chicago complaining about Kurtz as this outsider trying to come in here and stir up trouble. The man was trying to get documents from a library regarding the time that Ayers and Obama worked together on a board..... the library said he could see them, at first.

The reason this subject even came up was because Obama commented about Ayers as just this man that lived up the street from him, as if they hadn't been as close as they were.

Now, without even hearing what Kurtz has to say, they are trying to condemn this radio station for allowing this man FREE SPEECH ha. I don't like Obama tactics. I don't believe he supports FREE SPEECH equally. I think he is a dirty dirty politician.

This is NEWS to anyone?

There are hundreds more CONSERVATIVE leaning radio personalities than liberal ones.

The Right constantly complains about the "liberal media," which includes those people who give us the weather. "How dare they tell us that Gustav might hit New Orleans!"

But the reality is that the airwaves are dominated by the Right. Even the blogs are dominated by the Right, when you consider which side of the political aisle has the time and resources (i.e. home computers) to blog.

My bet is that even this posting won't see the light of day, as most of my recent posts have been blocked for some unknown reason.

Stand tall and proud next to your long time friend, associate, runnin buddy, colleague Bill "the terrorist" Ayers, Obama....What's the problem?. You didn't really think you were going to get away with tryin to pass off your kindred spirit Ayers as some guy you occasionally pass on the street while out walking your doggie did you?

I've worked with Milt for years, and have had many interactions with him. The only thing more disappointing than his oft-skewed and self-sering opinions is the fact that people still bother to listen to him at all.
I did not listen to this program, as I have a few better things to do with my time that give air to a few tailcoat riders attempts to get a little press by uttering Obama's name. Having known Bill Ayers as an activist and educator, I can tell you that he is a throughly good and decent human being. He has made terrible errors in judgment in the past -- a viewpoint his autobiography makes plain -- and has paid for those mistakes. What right does anyone have to make him and his family a political issue? If this is truly the best character assassination attempt that the Right can come up with, it's rather obvious why they can't seem to maintain their waining grip on what congressional seats and executive positions they have. So very disappointing.

I love this country, but I am starting to seriously hate the people in it.

Obama's a socialist? really?

He's trying to bully him? The guy who's running a smear campaign against a presidental candidate is the good guy?

I have to remind myself that logic doesn't work when you are swimming in an ocean of conservative idiots.

The Obama campaign should have sent a representative to debate Kurtz, but it seems they can't counter with any facts so they declined. The left continues to react to criticism by attempting to shut down dissent. I think many are becoming aware of this tactic. And for those who believe that Obama isn't shutting down free speech, but instead just wants media to be responsible - would that be ALL media or just those that challenge him? I have yet to see him chastise his acolytes such as Keith Olbermann and Chris Matthews.

Obama does not stand for change.

If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.

The US voter will not be happy when Obama brings Illinois corruption to Washington.

"Lowering the standards of political discourse?"

I didn't know such a thing was possible.

Rosenberg is a good host and a good interviewer, but he is also a right-wing zealot, so the guest choice is no surprise.

As far-right loonies go, however, Rosenberg is much more intelligent than most.

For whatever that's worth.

Uh Oh.. attacking free speech already....not a good sign

First they arrest an ABC News producer for taking inconvenient photos of big Dem donors at the Dem Convention.

Now Obama's Dems try and censor radio programs.

Welcome to a glimpse at an Obama presidency.

Wow, modern Liberals trying to shut down free speech. I'm shocked.

Dr. Rosenberg has his favorite cadre of stooges and right wing experts on all the time. It's far from a balanced program and not surprised that he would lead any attack on Senator Obama.

The reassuring fact is that most of his diminishing audience were born prior to 1920 and will have trouble voting with assistance.

Mr. WB:

A resourceful supporter should have no trouble finding the articles to which Mr. Kurtz referred on the show, such as those below. There is plenty here to begin an intelligent, rational discussion on the issue. Alas, we don't ever seem to get that from the right or left these days...

In a constitutional republic, the so-called "politics of fear" is not something of which to be afraid. When the federal government is invested with the power which we have given it, citizens have a right to be fearful. Particularly when those on the right and left seek to impose their perspectives on the rest of us. I am fearful of both Mssrs. Obama and McCain... such as Sen. McCain's views on Iraq and abortion and Sen. Obama's views on the second ammendment and immunity for telecommunications companies. Thus, I hope scholars, researchers, and, yes, even, partisans will point out questionable associations and beliefs from their past. Then, let me decide as to their legitmacy. When we have much to fear in presidential candidates from all corners of the political arena, fear -- for me -- is more important than ever.

http://www.weeklystandard.com/Utilities/printer_preview.asp?idArticle=15386&R=13BA318AF5

http://article.nationalreview.com/print/?q=MTgwZTVmN2QyNzk2MmUxMzA5OTg0ODZlM2Y2OGI0NDM

What are they afraid of? It seems that they can dish it out but can't take it at all. Hey if you can't stand the heat get out of the kitchen.

Maybe we should also protest the Tribune's putting this stuff on the front page by canceling subscriptions to the paper. Why should Democrats give them any money when they will surely back McCain?

Maybe we should also protest the Tribune's putting this stuff on the front page by canceling subscriptions to the paper. Why should Democrats give them any money when they will surely back McCain?

WB, yes he is. I think Obama's associations with left wing radicals as well as his own voting record suggests further scrutiny. Kurtz is far from a scatter shot attacker, he tries to do his homework and dig into the records. Obviously Obama campaign knows what they are up against when they need to detail his arguments on prior subjects which they disagree with. So they disagree with his comments and analysis on gay marriage, we could all dig out multiple studies which would bolster our arguments on any number of topics. Obama has a skin so thin that even if he is lucky enough to win - and boy has he squandered what was once an imposing lead in the polls, with no VP choice bounce - he will find that his thin skin will tick off alot of people who might be willing to fight for what he believes in. If his campaign really wants to get involved how about asking for their chance to put someone on Milt's show to counterpoint this one. Why won't they, because they only have "he was 8 years old" argument to offer. This is a problem, yelling to shut up someone continues to demonstrate that the left's worship of individual rights stops when someone disagrees with them.

WB, yes he is. I think Obama's associations with left wing radicals as well as his own voting record suggests further scrutiny. Kurtz is far from a scatter shot attacker, he tries to do his homework and dig into the records. Obviously Obama campaign knows what they are up against when they need to detail his arguments on prior subjects which they disagree with. So they disagree with his comments and analysis on gay marriage, we could all dig out multiple studies which would bolster our arguments on any number of topics. Obama has a skin so thin that even if he is lucky enough to win - and boy has he squandered what was once an imposing lead in the polls, with no VP choice bounce - he will find that his thin skin will tick off alot of people who might be willing to fight for what he believes in. If his campaign really wants to get involved how about asking for their chance to put someone on Milt's show to counterpoint this one. Why won't they, because they only have "he was 8 years old" argument to offer. This is a problem, yelling to shut up someone continues to demonstrate that the left's worship of individual rights stops when someone disagrees with them.

I think Obama is finally revealing his true nature: win at any cost. Anyone remember how he won his first election, getting his opponent kicked off the ballot? His association with Ayers AND Wright AND Reczko speaks volumes of either 2 things:
#1-poor judge of character
#2-dirty player

Neither are qualities we want in a President.

This is nothing new. If you hadn't noticed, Obama has been like Bush for months in trying to control the press. It also hasn't just been during his "rock tour" of Europe and the middle east when the press was "embedded" with him. I think Karl Rove must be an Obama advisor--his "faith based initiatives" also mimic Bushs' political style.

The FACT is that Obama worked with Ayers to launch his political campaign.

No, this does not make Obama a criminal in any way, shape, or form.

But, it DOES call into question his judgement to be associated with and work with a person as disgusting as Ayers. This isn't politics of fear, it's simply questioning a candidates judgement in the people he choses to associate with.

Whoa, Obammmmmma must really be scared of some Honkey-in-the-woodpile if he wants WGN to silence any inspection of his alliances. But, we must remember, this is Chicago politics and da-mayor and his daddy honed this type of tactic for years.

Here in Canada my neighbors asked last night, "who the hell was that idiot from Illinois that was on FOX?" T'was your Emil. What an ad for the state, party and candidate!

jc

Obama is nothing but a fake. My mother always told me that if you bark like a dog, you walk like a dog...then you are a dog. If Obama hung around people like Resko, Wright, and Wiliam Ayers then he must have something in common with all this BAAAAAD people. Furthermore, for all those people that keep comparing McCain's military records to Obama's seal records....McCain's military records cannot harm this country...Obama's radical past can. Wake up and smell the coffee people. Obama is nothing but a FAKE!!

WB wrote: "If you want to see his "research", Kurtz referred listeners to articles that you need a subscription to read. Why isn't it publicly available? "

The articles I saw were all free.

Here are some links if it helps (and feel free to provide your links from Obama's staff refuting Kurtz's points):

"Barack Obama's Lost Years"
http://www.weeklystandard.com/Utilities/printer_preview.asp?idArticle=15386&R=13BA26C

"Chicago Annenberg Challenge Shutdown?"
http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=MTgwZTVmN2QyNzk2MmUxMzA5OTg0ODZlM2Y2OGI0NDM=

Hope it helps.

1984 anyone? If this article doesn't scare the bejesus out of the voters, as well as the followers of Obama, then nothing will save this Country. Imagine what he would do if he had the real power of the Presidency. Wake up America!

Obama's campaign has learned from Kerry's Swift Boat experience.

Had I not witnessed how taking the high road against baseless attacks can screw up the campaign by letting lies overshadow facts and issues over and over, I would also be among those questioning the Obama campaign's tactics in handling this.

But it makes sense now. You gotta do what you gotta do.

Obama states that he doesn't support the Fairness Doctrine, but he sure seems concerned about there being someone on this radio station that gives the opposing view to a reporters story about HIM that he doesn't care for.....I think it's a fair assumption that he WOULD support the FAIRNESS DOCTRINE, which would be a censorship of free speech in my view.

The media is already TOP HEAVY with LIBERAL MEDIA (tv and newspapers) and I've never heard him come out in complaint that he felt they should give a balance to any of it, not once ! He was built up by his friends in the FAR LEFT MEDIA who portrayed him as a CELEBERITY. Seems to me he was enjoying all that one sided attention from where we all sit.

His group are going after FOX NEWS trying to destroy them for reports they do about Obama that he won't like, they went after New Yorker for doing a cover that Obama made it clear he didn't like. He's encouraging them now to go after this radio station and this reporter.

Rowland Martin (also a leftie radio announcer) is a STRONG supporter of Obama's and he used tv leftie media to tell these Obama supporters that they need to be going after the conservative RADIO STATIONS. He's the same one that went after Imus the first time, saying he didn't think he would be fired (right) and then went after Imus the second time (when there was nothing there) and tried to get him in trouble for comments he made about a Black sports figure.

These people want to destroy anyone who says things they don't like.

Obama has surrounded himself with some very scary radical people. He hasn't left them all behind when he became president....look at Emil Jones, he's one of the mentors he's got right there by his side... what kind of position in his Administration will a man who tried to stop some anti-corruption bills in Chicago get I wonder. WHAT ON EARTH WOULD THIS ADMINISTRATION LOOK LIKE ugh!?

Typical obama!!! Try to silence dissenting opinions!!! Unbelievable.... He obviously wants to hide the fact that he's been friends with a known terrorist!!!!! Obama and his weirdo supporters don't want people to know this!!! Well, sorry folks..this is america...not communist china!!!

Sorry obama and all your blind supporters.... The truth is coming out and you're not going to scare anyone with your tactics!!!

Obama wants unity, as long as it's HIS kind of unity - nobody say anything bad about him anytime, anywhere, or he will put komrad in reeducation camp. I would like to know from all you obama-heads why he doesnt SUE the people making these "fear mongering terrorist smears"????? Perhaps because you can't sue somebody from telling the TRUTH?
Wake up America! This boy is right out of Orwell's "1984". And dont chastise me for calling him boy - Jimmy Carter did the other day, and it's on tape. TAKE THAT you lefties.

WB said: "Obama is not shouting down his critics or trying to restrict free speech. He just wants the media to be responsible and not peddle misleading innuendo."
What a crock. The Obama machine goes after anyone who dares take the name Obama in vain. Watch the show at the stadium in Denver and then tell me Obama doesn't consider himself a deity. Hubris squared.

Yep, WB, Daley is unfit to be mayor of Chicago. Yep there is something sinister about Daley. Daley is probably most qualified to be mayor of Cell Block 8.
Chicago was more honest when Harold ran the town like it was a barber shop!!!

Let the man speak his opinion. Then the voters can decide what is fact and fiction. The truth will prevail. That is what free speech is all about. if Obama is afraid of what this man has to say then it seems to me that Obama has something to hide.

So much for freedom of the press. His campaign was offered an opportunity to rebut and turned it down. Look out America, you put this guy in office and this is what you have to look forward to.

Right wing hatchet man? All Kurtz is doing is looking into public records Obama has been trying to conceal.

And don't they have to be lies to be smears? Kurtz is researching CAC's documents, not inventing something out of whole cloth ala Dan Rather.

BTW you don't need a subscription to read his articles, just go to the website.

It's interesting that every time someone asks Obama a question or asks to see documents like his those from his Ill Senate record, they're accused of smearing Obama. Me thinks Obma doth protest too much.

No surprise here. BO is against the 2nd amendment. Why shouldn't he be against the 1st as well.

Change:
1) Higher taxes
2) Bigger Gov't
3) Less freedoms...

Yup.. Change you can count on.

WB, who determines what's misleading innuendo? Ayers problems are not only "aired" by Kurtz but others as well. Shouldn't then the public make the determination if it's credible or not? This is historically the approach that socialists, fascists, and communists alike take i.e. silencing the media. America prides itself on liberty and freedom. Let the man speak.

Michael & WB:

What planet are you living on? What relevance to the show this week does some show a week after 9/11 have? Guilt by association? Then rebut what Kurtz is saying, not dismissing him for doing research. And if Kurtz has few facts to refute, state the fact that Ayers and Dohrn are such great people.

Ayers was not some Boy Scout that got got caught jaywalking. Name one Republican that could get elected dog catc her with such relationships in his background.

If this is how Obama rises above the politics of fear, by attacking the bearer of news he doesn't like, God help us should he become president. If Rove had done this, the screams of Bush/Hitler would be pouring forth from your lips.

The way to rebut things you don't like being heard is more free speech, not muzzling opinions you disagree with. If you want dissent quashed, there are a lot of other countries in the world that will be happy to oblige.

Typical liberal. Does as i say, not as i do. What a fake. Good thing is real AMericans are realizing what a fraud this guy is.

Bernadine Dohrn & Bill Ayers are unrepentant TERRORISTS (Buy their own words "We didn't do enough") They were not found innocent their charges were dropped because of prosecutorial mistakes. Ayers father was the head of Common Wealth Edison in Chicago that is the only reason his kid got away with his terrorism, MONEY!!!! Their group killed police officers when it blew up a police station and did in fact bomb the Capitol. why can't or shouldn't they be compared to the 9-11 terrorists?
Senator Obama says he did't know Ayers "That he was just some neighbor" This shows that was a lie. He worked with Ayers for at least 2 years spending one hundred MILLION DOLLARS or more. Why don't you Obama supporters ask him why he lied? If Ayers and his wife are now such good citizens why is Obama lying about their relationship? Senator Alice Palmer (ACP) used their house to tell constituents that Barrack was her chosen successor after Ayers and Obamas had a working relationship. It seems to me it is Obama who is slandering Mr. Kurtz not the other way around.

WB, you don't need a subscription. In fact a few days ago John Kass' column had a link to the articles that cost nothing to view. Is Daley fit to be mayor? How many people in his administration have gone to jail? I have lost count. Then you have the corruption of the Stroger family and Blago! These are all of the top"leaders" in this state. The most corrupt in the nation. This is where Obama cut his political teeth. If they objected to this man being on the air they should have had the guts to put one of their people on when asked.

Guess we don't really need free speach anymore.

BO will tell us what we need to know and think

If this guy is chronicling the relationship of Obama and Ayers from the time they began their association, that's fine (I doubt that's the purpose). But I have a problem with dredging up Ayers past when Obama didn't even know him. That's not relevant. What's relevant is if Obama participated in something unethical or illegal.

During the time of the Vietnam war, those who opposed it were considered radicals and un-American. Now, years later we know it was a mistake to go there. Were all these people actually radicals or humanistic?

Barack Obama, all for free speech, as long as it is positive about him.

Apparently Obama is promising change, a change from freedom of speech. What a disgrace.

The truth hurts!

Obama is not shouting down his critics or trying to restrict free speech. He just wants the media to be responsible and not peddle misleading innuendo.

Responsibility and accuracy as defined by Obama. That won't instill any fear...

Kurtz was explaining his research. You're free to dismiss it as irrelevant. You're invited to refute the argument with reasons it's irrelevant. What you're not free to do is shout him down and prevent him from making his case.

The Obama campaign was able to mobilize a campaign to jam the WGN phone lines, but they couldn't find 1 person to go on the air and challenge Kurtz?? Rosenburg made a blanket offer to have anyone from the Obama campaign on the air for any amount of time during the show -- including staying for the entire 2 hour show. He also extended an invitation to the campaign to come back at any time.

He was turned down.

Responsibility? I guess that's a one way street in Obamamerica...

Please WGN. We already have partisan WLS on the airwaves.

Here is an example of what partisan news coverage can do. UNREAL!

Fox News' Megyn Kelly noted that during her DNC speech Michelle Obama said, "The world as it is just won't do," and then Kelly continued: "If you replace 'world' with 'country', you are back to the same debate, arguably, that you have been having about Michelle Obama's feelings about the country."

Think of it---you can replace words with other words to change the meaning of a sentence. Sounds like fun! Let me try:

"Democracy is worth dying for, because it's the most deeply honorable form of government ever devised by man Satan."
–-Ronald Reagan
-
"Do not yield. Do not flinch. Stand up. Stand up with our President in stilettos and fight."
--John McCain
-
"Our economy is on the move and we are creating thousands of new jobs, but we need to keep our foot on the gas pedal poor people!"
--Mitt Romney
-
"America needs to be defended. We need missile defense to better police the skies Martians over the United States."
--Rudy Giuliani
-
"Tonight on Hannity Babykiller and Colmes..."
--Alan Colmes
-
"And that's tonight's Talking Points You Would Basically Be in the Shower and Then I Would come in and I'd Join You and You Would Have Your Back to Me and I Would Take That Little Loofah Thing and Kinda Soap Up Your Back, Rub It All Over You, Get You to Relax, Hot Water, and Um, Get Your Nipples Really Hard 'Cuz I Like That and You Have Really Spectacular Boobs, and Then I Would Take the Other Hand with the Falafel Thing Memo..."
--Bill O'Reilly

What fun! Thanks, Fox, for teaching us a new way to report the news

I don't see what Mr. Obama is so worked up about. If he has nothing to hide he shouldn't worry so much. This is just another reason to be concerned about an Obama presidency. He apparently thinks that news outlets must be controlled by the (liberal) government. That's no big surprise since he believes government should control every aspect of our lives.

Listen to yourselves: "media to be responsible", as judged by whom? Barack? Yes, that would be a change indeed. Thanks, anyway, I'd rather have mavericks like Kurtz around to get socialists and leftists squealing. Makes them easier for the masses to separate.

"US soldiers behaved like terrorists". Really? You mean like killing thousands of innocent non-combatants at a time, without warning and celebrating it by firing AK-47's in the air, once their cowardly butts are back in their communist supported lairs.
Yeh, right!

Milt's program that had a prosecutor's call for withholding funds from Northwestern, because of the affiliation of Ms. Dohrn's, and the timing thereof, had only coincidence to tie it to 9/11. You're the one making bizarre connections with a terrorist event. As for the prosecutor's success or failure, please leave that judgement to those with a less biased sense of justice.

I didn't read all the comments or the entire story, but I read enough to know that Obama and his group are trying to silence one person's right to free speech. To me, it more sounds like he's trying to censor what's said about him so only good things are broadcast. Sounds like other regimes through history.

What gets me is that a liberal hack job can say whatever they want on NPR and it's OK, but a conservative can't say what he wants because then it's crossing a line. What's fair for one side has to be fair for the other.

Obviously Mr. Obama and his campaign officials view Bill Ayers in a positive light and choose to believe that the past is past. Certainly Ayers and his wife Bernadine Dohrn have been an asset to the educational reform in Chicago and have been active in Hyde Park and around the state. However, it is short-sighted to believe that the domestic terrorism of the Weathermen can and should be forgotten. Robbery, shooting and covering up for those who commit those acts need to be taken in full context, including the context of the victims and of the society that suffered the fear such acts of terror instilled. As with his home purchase, Mr. Obama, in the case of Ayers and Dohrn, appears too arrogant to understand that the public trust entails more than a reassurance that Obama was sincere in his belief that his associations were not improper. Public officials must take the time and exercise the prudence to avoid the appearance of impropriety; they owe this to their constituencies. That Mr. Obama doesn't understand, to this day, why he should not have gone to the home of Ayers and Dohrn indicates a fanatical unwillingness to see another (and legitimate) point of view, that is, that those who disrupted the peace through acts far beyond civil disobedience without ever renouncing their acts of support for domestic terrorism are not fit hosts for a person with high political ambitions. Mr. Obama needs to demonstrate a firmer character by making wiser choices in the future. Obama's attacking Chicago institution Milt Rosenberg, rather than putting forward a surrogate to begin to make amends for the mistakes the candidate made in affiliating himself with Dohrn and Ayers, perpetuates the stereotype of a liberal elitist whose blinders prevent his considering other points of view.

Just wait until the democrats pass the 'fairness doctrine' and get rid of all opposition to their left wing platform. Think it will apply to Hollywood and the liberal main stream media?

Absolutely not!

Obama with a democratic house and senate will pass all kinds of crazy new laws.

So free speech is okay only if you support Obama?

What ever happened to providing a forum to those with differing points of view?

Rosenberg is well-known for his conservative slant. He's giving his core of listeners what they want to hear.

If Obama supporters do not want to hear, then they shouldn't listen.

I do not hear them protest when Obama supporters rant and rave about McCain "abandoning" his first wife.

Why won't Obama answer McCain's challenge to have joint town hall meetings? Is Obama afraid of others exercising their right to free speech?

Life under an Obama regime would not be pleasant. Do you know your Obama salute yet (Google "Obama salute")? The Obama campaign is undoutedly already at work on our citizen uniforms and armbands. Think China, who Obama already says has a "vastly superior infrastructure" over America.

Didn't some like this happen in Germany back in the thirties?

The constitution says nothing about this guy's right to a two hour chunk on WGN. Letting this guy on the air is about like letting someone have two hours to allege that McCain secretly worked with the Viet Cong while he wa a POW. It's irresponsible smear journalism that no self-respecting media outlet would mess with.

Amber M. What ground do you have to make the assertion that Obama will limit your freedoms? GWB expanded use of executive powers and the sidestepping of the FISA through the Patriot Act did more to limit your rights as an American. Not to mention the total disregard for the checks and balances put in place by our founding father in the document you are so concerned about.

So part of the "change" we are being promised is by whining about somebody using their First Amendment right to free speech...interesting. The whole mindset of the Obama nation scares me, even more than Dick Cheney because at least you know where he stands. His supports need to take a civics class and realize the President is only a figurehead of the group called Congress because the Prez cannot do anything unless they approve it. The Prez cannot lower gas prices either. And if folks believe a socialist environment would be best, list what rights they are the most willing to give up. Oh, for this whole fiasco to be over with.

By the way, John McCain had a sponsor of terrorists lead a fundraiser for him. Carl Lindner, former CEO of Chiquita, admitted to fnding groups in Colombia designated by the US state department as terrorists. But Lindner led a campaign fundraiser for McCain in Cincinnati. Isn't this worse than the Obama-Ayers connection???
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/07/02/mccain-fundraiser-oversaw_n_110354.html

More thug militant tactics from BO and his people...uh, hello...still a semi-free country here.

I've learned a lot listening to Extension 720 and Milt Rosenberg with his eclectic selection of guest and sometimes heavyweight topics ranging from astronomy to music to the occasionally offbeat. But when it comes to politics, the radio switch goes off. That's when whackjob right wing Milt emerges and engages in predictable hit jobs on Democrats and liberals with his cast of wingnut welfare "authors" and the like.

the indignant temper-tantrum of mr. obama again displays his ineptitude in confronting real adversity. if he has to "shutdown" the opposition instead, that tells us #1 he has something to hide, #2 his inexperience leaves him with no means to respond to criticism other than trying to shut it down, #3 God help us if this man becomes the leader of the free world and has to confront real world issues from countries that oppose his personal viewpoints.

Hmmmmm So Obama wants to stiffle speach. Has he tried to stiffle Oprah. Has he tried to stiffle Move on dot org.

Funny this man of change and new transparency will try to shut any opposing view.

At WGN they have a front row seat to HIS RECORD AND HIS ACCOMPLISMENTS.

Maybe he has a problem with the clear channel reach of the radio station.

Does Obama try to stiffe the New York Slimes or Washington Post et. ad nausium.

NO no no MR. Transparancy he wants to muzzle ANY opposition. Does the Soviet Union freedom of speach ring a bell?

I voted for Barack in the primary. Sorry I did. He is not what he would like you to believe. I think he's a huge mistake and has made it as far as he has because of his perceived and not real persona. The only thing he will change will be his undergarments. At least I hope he will.

Wow, do they make kool-aid in 666 flavor?

This is not just about what kind of relationship Obama has had with Ayers. Since Obama's resume is so thin it makes sense to look into whatever executive experience he has had. The CAC was a failure by all accounts (just because Ayers "cares" about education does not mean he is effective). If education policy is important in an Obama administration I think it would be in the public's interest to know if he can be effective. I think there may be more harm exposed by the ineffectiveness of the program than by any personal association.

Poster JB here is correct. The problem goes well beyond Obama and cuts to the core of the Daley Machine. We need to clean house in a major, major way. No Obama. No Daley. No Stroger. And for God's sake, no Bill Daley in the governor's mansion. This state is steeped in top-to-bottom corruption at the hands of the Daley Machine, which Obama is a product of.

WGN has several other hosts of talk programs who are favorable to Obama. These are all on during the daytime when the number of listeners is greater. Therefore WGN seems to provide fair and balanced coverage of the election and Senator Obama. Just because the Senator's campaign doe not like the coverage does not mean that the coverage is unfair

Obama this week: threatened the licenses of TV stations that ran the Ayers ad, asked the Justice department twice to investigate the sponsor of the Ayers ad, had an ABC news producer arrested for filming big money donors in Denver and now calls his people to barrage a radio station with phone calls. Free speech? What's that?

The more we get to know Obama, the more his ideas of "change" and "hope" ring more like what we currently have, just wrapped up in a fancier package. I want to like the guy and vote for him, but so far, all he has done is lie like the rest of the politicians.

So, if he really isn't any different in character than McCain, why should we vote for a man with no experience who is more interested in being a rock star than putting forth opinions on how to fix the country? I couldn't care less about his ties to Ayers or what religion he believes (he changes every day anyway). What does matter is that all he does is spew rhetoric through rock concert like speeches and has yet to put for any policy ideas.

You just gotta love the twisted logic of left-wing liberal idiots. They get their shorts in knot if the US introduces measures like FISA, to help protect Americans from those who would, and have, killed us, shrieking at the top of their lungs “It's unconstitutional!!!!”; but, if an American wants to conduct an investigation into the public record of “THE ONE”, and make that information known they resort to intimidation to try to suppress it. These people are either the worst kind of hypocrites as they don't even see their own hypocrisy, or they are neo-fascists trying to control thought – more lilely they are both.

waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh....what a big baby....I'm just sayin'

Um, I thought we had freedom of speech in this country? Obama has been on the cover of every magazine and newspaper for months now - and you democrats are upset over 2 hours? You're arresting ABC reporters in Denver - trying to squash any expression of though or voice that doesn't conform to your ideologies. Wake up people - we're about to usher in a new era in this country - Socialism!

I listened to a few minutes of Extension 720 last night.

Mr. Kurtz made the interesting claim that Mr. Axelrod was a "Red diaper baby" (i.e., a child of CPUSA members or fellow travelers). I may have misremebered the context of this claim, but I believe Mr. Kurtz was claiming that Mr. Axelrod should be particularly sensitive to making inappropriate claims of McCarthyism re the Ayers / Dohrn matter, as his parents were potential victims of such smears.

In fact, Axelrod's mother was a journalist for PM magazine, and later an advertising executive. Mr. Kurtz may not realize that CPUSA membership was not required of Jews on the Lower East Side.

Of course, the none-too-subtle reason for Mr. Kurtz's having made his specious point in the first place was to make a variation of the Obama / Communism smear.

This smear, unchallenged by Prof. Rosenberg, was brought to Chicago listeners by the Tribune Company.

Why doesn't Obama explain why he befriended an unrepentant former terrorist? His reply ad is not a logical response -- it points out that Obama was 8 when Ayers blew things up. That does not explain why, as an adult, Obama BEFRIENDED the man. I can't think of any logical answer except (1) political expediency or (2) he secretly hates the USA like Ayers does. Which is it, Obama?

"Williams Ayers once set a bomb to blow up the police memorial at Haymarket Square, yet years later Mayor Daley tapped him for his expertise in education to help lead Chicago's school reform. That he was a sixties radical would appear to be a minor consideration to people who need his knowledge and experience. Chicago has clearly moved beyond the culture wars of the 60s. It's what you bring to the table that matters. Obama is right to associate with people like Bill Ayers because they're the ones improving public education here, not the conservative media.

Posted by: David | August 28, 2008 3:43 AM
"

It's Chicago, where the definition of improving education is pumping millions of dollars into the hands of cronies, becuase it sure wasn't about improving the kids.

Ayres got hooked up because his daddy is very rich and connected to the corrupt Chicago political machine.

Hello? Does anyone remember "Freedom of Speech?" Obama, you've got to be kidding...

And so the left-wing suppression of free speech begins!

The fact that Obamamessiah is jumping on this SO fast is indicative of how close to the mark his opponents are hitting with this Ayers thing. Obama can go pound sand. He's trying to stifle any dissenters. The only 'change' he's referring to is a socialist takeover.

Why is it that the Obama for President campaign is attempting to block the investigation itself? They don't appear willing to simply let the investigation take place and let the findings speak for themselves. Very troubling.

Hello left-wing socialists. Goodbye freedom of speech.

I've added Milt's show to my daily podcast download. Sounds like he has a terrific show.

Anyhow, after reading all of these posts I still don't know what SPECIFICALLY is wrong with Mr. Kurtz. Can somebody give me a specific example of where Kurtz has presented something on Obama that is "slanderous"?

Milt Rosenberg used to have a great, great show. I grew up listening to it. It was a beacon of erudition in what seemed at the time like a wasteland of AM radio. (Little did we know how much worse it would get later.)

But like many people, Milt was driven mad by Bill Clinton. Despite occasional sparkling shows that hearken back to the great old days, his show has since turned into a hugely slanted hard-line right-wing propaganda-fest, at least when any matter of political interest is at issue.

I've heard him hang up on a caller who barely started to express a difference of opinion with the administration line on Israel, then denounce them, based on nothing, as "socialist." That's crap. Milt has completely lost his intellectual integrity. And his show, which was so great, is now just another part of the problem.

So if Obama supporters seek to shut someone up... hey, they are just taking after Milt.

Milt always has terrific, informative, well balanced shows.

It's unfortunate that the Obama campaign people cannot deal with criticism. IF he's going to be president, they'd better get used to it, it comes with the job ...

Posted by: JoAnn | August 28, 2008 1:15 AM
--------------------------------
JoAnn, Unfortunately, Obama won't have to get used to it. He and his handlers will become the "silencers" of people who believe they still have the right to freedom of speech.

I have witnessed presidential campaigns in this country for forty years. Until now I have always taken the campaigning antics with a grain of salt. I always thought in the past that both candidates had a love and passion for the United States. This campaign is truly different. I am one hundred percent convinced that the democrats couldn't care less about the needs and the future of the country. I am one hundred percent convinced that their campaigns were only about themselves. Hillary and Barack are only concerned with their personal fame. This election for them is at best a good high school student council campaign. This attempt by Obama to silence an opposing opinion relies on personality popularity, not for his values but rather his glory. If enough of these types of people continue to influence Americans, we as a nation are destined for failure. Being elected president is not a job. It is a responsibility. In the past the American public has been wise enough to place the responsibility wisely. In the past, both winning and losing candidates would most likely have taken us in the right direction. If the democratic nominee is elected this fall, I truly hope that the government body of the United States is strong enough to do the things necessary to keep this nation growing. If it is not, our future generations will be forced to rebuild a nation.

So why wouldn't the B. Hussein Obama campaign appear on the program? These lefties scream "fairness doctrine" all the time. But when given an opportunity to rebut they are silent. Seems to me that their silence screams volumes.

The Democratic presidential nominee and his supporters had best get used to criticism. Senator Obama has received a perponderance of positive (as well as the majority) of coverage during the campaign. That has been documented by plenty of independent and credible research.

This is not a school playground game of dodge ball, it's the leadership of the United States of America and the free world that is at stake. Senator Obama can quell a lot of the criticism by outlining in some detail his plans for leading the U.S. and dealing with the many legitimate issues it faces. Unless he does that, which will also show his real leadership potential, the sniping and criticism will continue to grow and the campaign will devolve into what it is rapidly becoming -- mud slinging and carping to the "nth" degree.

All dissenters must be silenced!!! No one must be allowed to contradict The Messiah, our Lord and Saviour Barack Obama!!!

Death to the blasphemous infidels!!!

HAS BARRACK HEARD OF FREEDOM OF SPEECH? BOY, HE'S GOING TO BE BUSY.......IS FOX NEWS NEXT?

you nwant to see real america stand up , then just try and put somebody off the air for telling the truth.

What the Obama campaign is doing, and their explanation of it reminds of what Putin did a few years ago with anti Putin TV stations. Anyone remember that? And do you not believe that they would shut this station down or levi some heavy fine under a 'fairness doctrine' if they had the power to do so. If you don't think so, you are naive, gullable and need to study history, even just your recent history.

All Obama has to do is send somebody to answer the accusations. How simple can you get? Instead Obama tries to shut the station down. What is Obama hiding?

you nwant to see real america stand up , then just try and put somebody off the air for telling the truth.

Who cares what WGN is spewing? None of their listeners is going to vote for Obama anyway, so let them continue to have their radio fantasies, if it makes them feel better. (And if there are grounds for a slander lawsuit, sue them.)

With the bullying and intimidating from the Obama campaign it won't suprise me at all when the Brown Shirts start appearing.

Missing from the comments so far is any discussion of what Stanley Kurtz talked about finding in his search of the archives. One item he mentioned concerned an organization that applied for money to fund a program promoting the celebration of the Juneteenth holiday. Apparently Juneteenth is an event that began in 1865 to mark the end of slavery. This request was approved and funds were provided from the Annenberg money. Another request for money from an organization dedicated to improving math skills of its participants was turned down. According to Dr. Kurtz many other academically oriented applications were also rejected. This information was taken directly from documents in the archive. Now I don't have a problem with people celebrating and remembering their cultural heritage but if your goal is to improve academic performance it seems funding programs to improve math skills would be far more important. It is also apparent that Senator Obama was instrumental in determining which requests for grants were accepted and which were rejected. His priorities in this example do little to inspire confidence in his message about hope for a better future.

Thou must not criticize His Obamaness.

Michael Weiser: Ayer's wife is not an innocent bystander. She was a member of the terrorist group herself and held a leadership position. She spoke admiringly about the Manson murders and apparently invented the Weather Underground salute to commemorate that horrendous act.

And regarding the "many American soldiers acted like terrorists" lie, that is just not true. It is a lie put forth by Kerry and his kind to advance their political fortunes. The vast majority of Vietnam vets acted honorably and fought well for their country, it is their country that failed them, spitting on them, telling outrageous lies about their service and despising them when they returned. Too few people stood up for them, then, but I for one will never make that mistake again.
But nothing has changed for the left. Today the hatred is hidden behind the lie "I support our troops, but oppose the war." Although I know it is possible to do both, most of the left wing loonies are lying through their teeth when they make that statement (if those are their teeth).

Hey, does this Stanely Kurtz have air time in Ohio? I'd like to hear what he has to say! All the Obama groupies don't like the fact that the truth hurts!

How about Olberman, Obama? Mathews? Daily Kos? Move-on.org and George Soros? MSNBC? CNN? NBC, which is no different than MSNBC and CBS? Your buddies paint swastikas, money bags and jail stripes on anyone who disagrees with them and have for decades. That's why they're called The Loony Left. If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen little man.

Is this Cuba?

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20080828/D92QV2TO0.html

Seems like Obama is taking a page out of Castro's book.

Obama's media hit squad of "brown shirts" were sent out to stomp out any hit of progressive descent.

What this means:
1. If you criticise Obama you will be directly or indirectly called a racist in an effort to shame you into silence.
2. In an Osama administration, the "Fairness Doctrine" will be reinstated. Under Pelosi and Reid, all opposition free speech will be silenced. No one will be allowed to speak out against the Liberal agenda. NBC, ABC, CBS, and CNN will effectively become to the Liberals what Pravda and Tass were to the Soviets.

Ah Chicago...the San Francisco of the midwest. I'm 41, only 2 Presidents elected from the Dem party in my lifetime...the right doesn't need "lies", especially with Obama, they win because their overall values are the values of most Americans. Obama will not win in November, and I don't even care for McCain...but he's not a JOKE so he'll win.

The more I study these blogs coments-
Obabam Change is Socialism- Supress the media, Chicago's media is superessed enogh already, look at the Tribune for example-

So, the Democratic Party is the party of the "little" people, Yes, FREEDOM OF SPEECH is one of their most important issues. They apparently don't want freedom to descent. Funny, I don't see any Republicans trying to block FREEDOM OF SPEECH!!! Isn't control over speech a Socialistic approach?

This is pathetic episode is proof that the greatest enemy of free speech is the modern day liberal.
Obama backers are nothing more than nazi like fascist thugs that seek to silence their opponents. They are true scum.

NEVER EVER FORGET 9/11/2001

Hope in AK:
Are you kidding me. The bottom 80% of wage earners shouldn't pay taxes. I'm in that bracket and I think that is insane. Why is the left so bent on punishing people for being successful. You really think the government can run oil companies? Get a clue...have you been to the post office or the DMV. Look what they have done to medicare and social security. Yeah...socialism is the answer. I mean it works so well everywhere else. GET EDUCATED.

I've read several of Kurz' articles. So, Barack, why is Kurz wrong?

This is a tactic the obama boy learned form the clinton boys....anyone surprised?

WB wrote: "Obama is not shouting down his critics or trying to restrict free speech. He just wants the media to be responsible and not peddle misleading innuendo."

Give me a freaking break. The left-wing moonbats own the mainstream media and several cable stations and promote their "misleading innuendo" on a daily basis.

Ever watch Keith Olbermann? That hack didn't do sports well, and he's worse at politics, but since he's a liberal, the Obamamaniacs just LOVE him.

Obama's supporters can't handle the "Obamessiah" being critcized, so they throw a hissy fit when someone questions the Anointed One. They can't debate, they just try to shout down. The whole reason that they want to push the "Fairness Doctrine" is that they realize that they can't currently control some cable, talk radio and the Internet. What the liberals want is a China-esque control of the public airwaves, because they CAN'T HANDLE criticism, nor can they handle the truth.

No Socialism, No Communism, No Nanny-state government, No kow-towing to the UN, No-bama '08.

I guess this is what Obama means by HOPE and CHANGE. He HOPES everyone ignores established fact he does like, using his campaign and supporters to force CHANGE in the minds of those who say things he doesn't like and I guess we have add CENSOR all critics.

In other words, free speech for everybody in America who agrees with him.

Down with Obomber ! America does not need the Democrats socialized agenda! Like it or not, Obomber, this is America and Freedom of Speech in America is not going to be destroyed by the likes of you! By the way.....where were you really born? Should you even be running for the position of President of the United States?.....I think not!

Freedom of speech, unless you're a conservative commentator. Or a conservative anything.
This is the new marxism of the "liberal" Democratic party. Get used to it. The left is always crying about how the "right" is taking away freedoms but really it is the "Left" themselves that with to extinguish the rights of those who disagree with them.

OBVIOUSLY, OBAMA IS TRYING TO KEEP IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM THE PUBLIC THAT MAY HARM HIM.

WHY DID HE NOT ACCEPT THE RADIO STATIONS INVITATION TO APPEAR ON THE SHOW??

IT'S OBVIOUS THAT FREE SPEECH ONLY APPLIES TO THE LEFT!! THEY ARE VICIOUS IF YOU DONT SHARE THEIR VIEWS. ATTACK FOX - DESTROY THE "RIGHT" MESSAGE, OR ANYONE ON THE LEFT THAT MAY AGREE WITH THE RIGHT. HATEFUL PEOPLE!! I PREFER RIGHT ANYTIME :)

While Bill Ayers was a radical bomb thrower his father was close friends and an adviser to the first Mayor Daly. As we say in Chicago he had major "clout". That's why Daly Jr. took care of Bill Ayers.

I cannot believe that Prof. Kurtz is so demonized for his attempts to research public documents which were denied and probably sanitized while 9/11 conspiracy nut jobs are given credence.

What are the Obama people so worried about? That the American people are too stupid to realize the truth? They shouldn't be, look how many obamtrons called in.

GREAT post MU78, could not agree more.

Ah yes, all you OB fans agree in freedom of speech, It is all right to distort JM record, but its not o.k. to question the annointed one.

If you have a problem with what is being said regarding OB's relationship with Ayers, point up facts that contradict it. But instead of that you personally attack the messenger.

This is what will happen under an OB presidency--free speech will be taken away.

For the Obama camp and the rest of the mentally challenged, please note the blatant example of the hypocrisy and double standard in all its glory:

"Tell WGN that by providing Kurtz with airtime, they are legitimizing baseless attacks from a smear-merchant and lowering the standards of political discourse," the note said. "It is absolutely unacceptable that WGN would give a slimy character assassin like Kurtz time for his divisive, destructive ranting on our public airwaves,"

I don't know Kurtz but they call him a smear merchant and slimy while complaining that Kurtz? is a character assassin.

And they think Bush is stupid.

"Obama's campaign has launched similar offensives against stations that have run campaign ads that it did not like." Great. This is the "change" he wants to impose on the people of the USA? I want to opt out. And by the way I'll bet the ABC News reporter who got locked up by the Obama people will too. Forget if Obama is ready to be president...WE are not ready for HIM...

Great! That is all we need - a whiner for POTUS. He pulled the same stunt with some television ads about Ayers. This just make me more curious why he wants to keep this such a secret. It seems that he has more to hide thnt he is saying. I sure hope you democrats know what you are doing.

If there's one thing the left wing can't stand, it's free speech. They hate that people are allowed to say things they don't agree with -- and if given the chance, would put the government in charge of who can say what.

Amazing. Not even elected and Obama (or his poorly chosen disciples*) are using Socialist totalitarian methods to stifle "free speech". How can they condemn something they have not even heard?

* Same poor judgement used in associating with Ayers, "Rev" Wright, Kurtz. If elected, will the same poor standards ensue?

I am so sick and tired of Barack Obama getting a free ride on everything that comes up negative on his life that he.

This is just further proof that he does not have the simple maturity to be president.

Barack Obama is immature, arrogant and has not a clue what the American way is that brought us to the great country that we are. He does not understand how people who actually produce for this country do not want an imposing government process set up to bring them all to a level playing field.

He is a strong believer in the statement that we can tax our way to prosperity. What a fool. That is like standing in a bucket and trying to get out of the bucket while holding onto the handle.

I pray that this infantile idiot does not get in office.

What a cry baby Obama has become!!! Being the child of a single mother really did take a toll on him. Grandma must be so proud........

Salamander said: Obama's campaign has learned from Kerry's Swift Boat experience....

The Democratic attack machine continues to malign the veterans who were personal witnesses to John Kerry's service in Vietnam. I applaud them for pointing out the truth about John Kerry's experience.

To me swiftboating is synonymous the Paul Revere's ride warning of the British invasion.

Sen. Obama is a man with a very thin public record. It is understandable that what he has done in the past will be reviewed in great detail. It is the campaign's responsibility to provide truthful information and rationally point out factual errors in stories about their candidate. Secrecy and intimidation will not help get their cause.

WGN should withdraw any right wing advocate from its airwaves when NPR shuts its entire left wing operations down.

This, and the arrest yesterday of a reporter taking pictures of DNC operatives in Denver, should send chills down every American's spine. This is what the Democrats mean when they talk about bringing back the "Fairness" Doctrine. This is nothing but the same socialism Hitler began in Germany, and the Soviets before him.

Behold the anointted one. He has come down from his mountain top to bring salvation. He is the one! If you don't think so just ask him or his supporters. How dare we mortals question his veracity? How dare we desmudge his almighty name? How dare we ask what is he so afraid of on his birth certificate that he will not let it be published? How dare we question his friends? If you ask me we will be in great trouble with this man. He will sell us out in the name of peace and negotiations.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev is laughing all the way to the systematic re-unification of the USSR and we stand here poised to elect a man with no experience, no accomplishment, and is sorely lacking in what it needs to be a world leader.

ITS OBVIOUS THE FREE SPEECH ONLY APPLIES TO THE LEFT!!!

Wow, typical left hipocracy. We can say what ever we want but anyone who disagrees will be bullied into submission. NICE. I guess that is change...change to freaking fascism. And they compare Bush to Hitler.

Looks like like the Obama definition of democracy is "freedom to Obey..and not to question."

"Obama's campaign urged supporters to call the radio station to complain."
Since when is free speech to be complained about? Sounds semi Putin-ish to me. Is this the "hope" and "change" that we could look forward to under a B.H.O. presidency?

The Obama clan has been extremely confrontational in defending Barry's doctrine.

"Ve vill not TOLERATE any dizaggreementz!"

Well we are seeing the real Obama and leftists for sure. Obama and leftists are for free speech as long as they agree with what is being said.

Rezko, Wright, Ayers...

& a whiner to boot.

3 Strikes, You're OUT!!!

NObama '08

By the way, for all you people claiming that "guilt through association" is unfair -- It is perfectly legitimate to judge a person by the company he keeps as his friends. I wonder what you would be saying if McCain had a friend who was a Klansman (KKK)?

I am shocked! Don't tell me that the Daleys are a bunch of crooks. I have only been watching US politics since 1952. I thought that the Daleys were paragons of virtue. Little barry boy has a lot to learn. My Mama always told me that "birds of a feather, flock together" She also told me that "if you lie with dogs, you will get fleas".
I had one smart Mama. Too bad that barry boy didn't have a Mama or a Papa to teach him some very basic things.

If Kurtz is slandering Obama or Ayers they should sue and collect. Shutting down speech is never the way to go.

The Obama campaign becomes scarier day by day.
If you can't honestly defend your position with the facts, then I guess your only option is to silence the opposition by any and all means necessary. Eerily reminiscent of some uglier past in world history.

what everyone is failing to realize is that this is standard operating procedure. The Saudi's are doing it right now in England, if the don't like the story they want to get there lawyers on you so you do not report the story at all.

The first thing fascists like to do is kill all free speech and dissent against them.
Barack is no different.

Looks like the Obama definition of democracy is "freedom to Obey and not to question"

Any attempt to stop Obama will treated as RACISM. It does no good to live in the past! If you continue to let people doubt Obama then you must be considered, part of the problem. What is best for Illinois is to get Obama elected and then reap the rewards that his connection with the city of Chicago will bring. Stop all this useless talk and back your party!

Wow, this is amazing.
So the first CHANGE Obama will make in America is to remove freedom of speech from the Bill of Rights?

I'm amazed at how many people here are willing to give this guy a complete pass on any and all past and present affiliations with felons, terrorists and other shady politicians. We're "right-wing idiots"? Really? Facts are a stubborn thing and as Churchill once said; (paraphrasing) "The Truth can hidden, disguised or swept under the rug - but in the end, there it is".

Obama knows a radical from the '60s. Wow. Big deal. That was what, 40 years ago? So what?

I'm amused by all this sudden concern for our constitutional rights from the domestic spying fans and "unitary executive" backers. As I understand it, there is a difference between free speech and free air time on a commercial TV station. And as all you free speech advocates know, these people calling the station have the right to express their disagreement with this programming decision and even to let the advertisers know that they won't be buying products advertised on that show. Sorry, but free speech isn't just for GOP slander merchants.

Why is Obama and his friends always trying to silence people except for his buddy Rev. Wright who spews hate from the pulpit? What happened to free speech? Why is reserved only for the dems? Why can the Clintons say he is unprepared weeks ago and then Bill get on stage and blames REPUBLICANS for saying he was not prepared in 1992. Does he think everyone in America is stupid and can't remember what was said?

I was excited to see a different type politician 4 years ago. THAT my friends was the real "Fairy take!"

This all smacks of the kind of brown shirt intimidation in Nazi Germany or the lesser known depths of intimidation that could be found in Stalin's Soviet Union. They send letters to the DOJ to investigate PRIVATE donors of conservative 501c's and now this. WAKE UP WAKE UP WAKE UP before your individual rights and liberties are all eroded and washed away in a tidal torrent of rabid euphoria of this cult of personality that reminds one of the same rapture followers of Hitler felt. Too carried away in the moment to realize they were all gleefully helping the cause of oppression

I guess the democrats have learned nothing from their criticism of the Bush/Rove smear machine. Obama is practicing the same thing even before he becomes president!!!

Ayers is a story because grouped with other associations it is clear that Obama made no attempt to rebuke any of these figues until he ran for president. he used terrorists and hate mongers to advance his career and then threw them under the bus when they grew incovenient.

Is that a lie or will the Obama supporters retort with the usual "Bush is a nazi" or just "slime merchants".

Pathetic.

What Republican "leadership"? the dems have been in charge since Eisenhower. Only once since have the republicans had the majority and only for 2 years. Durring those 2 years they still had RINOs like McCain Spector and several others like Jumpin Jim Jeffords. All of the "same old same old" is due to the dem "leadership" The Bush haters sound like Bush is the King and runs the country all by himself. Perhaps this is what the liberals are teaching in schools. It seems the govt now consistws of only the president and the congress has no influence.

Whatever happened to freedom of speech, Mr. Obama. If it is to mean anything at all, we must be willing to support in not just for ourselves but for those who disagree with us.

What bothers me most about this show is the the whole thing with Ayers is just another example of political noise. Ayers association with Obama was an educational project at the U of C where Ayers is a professor. To assume that Ayers is somehow using his 1960's background to influence Obama's politics or vision is pure conjecture.

Obama has spent most of his "learning" time working in the poorest neighborhoods on the south side of Chicago as an activist for the poor. Obama is very intelligent and not easily duped by someone who was with a radical organization over 20 years prior to his encounter with Obama.

If Milt wants to provide an offset to Kurtz, he should invite Ayers on to his program since the papers released by the U of C are primarily about him.

We don't need any more negative campaigning from either side. This is just another example of the media taking center stage at a time when the candidates and their viewpoints should be center stage. Milt does not need to stoop to the level of CNN, MSNBC and FOX analysts to attract listeners. This is a poor choice from an otherwise thougthful and intelligent radio host.

Once again, the Left, Barack Obama included, loves freedom of speech but only as long as it is speech they like.

here's an interesting tidbit:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/chi-obama-wgn,0,3744149.story

The article above on the chicagotribune.com site encourages obamabots to flood the airwaves with calls.
The paragraphs below it, claiming to be "facts on Barack and William Ayers" are, in reality, nothing but a hit piece on Stanley Kurtz. Hmmmm......
Was Obama 8 years old when he kicked off his political career at the home of Ayers? How about the Annenberg Challenge, was Barry only eight years old then?

Yes, this IS hope and change. Freedom of speech does not give some Right-wing nut-bar a free pass to spout false accusations and information about any individual. I'm all for protecting basic rights, but slander goes a little too far.

The Obamaniacs are not unlike the Nazis ... and watch Obama and his inspiring oratory ... it is not unlike Hitler. The whole lot are pretty disturbing. Yes, it's change. A very frightening change.

There is a difference between criticism and hatred. The right appears so afraid of change and a black president that they have pulled all the stops to try and convince people that Democrats are anti-american, baby killing terrorists. People like Limbaugh who tell lies or mix sarcasm into their show which his followers take as gospel. This will never unite us as a country and will further divide us.

one would have thought that merely knowing an avowed, and unabashed, member of a left wing terrorist group, known to have bombed federal buildings, and responsible for at least two deaths, would have precluded said individual from serious consideration for president of the united states. if john mccain had a similarly cozy relationship with david duke, the media would have been relentless in its persecution of said relationship and would have only ceased its vituperative attacks when it was able to circle john mccain's political corpse.

At the very least the Annenberg documents prove that Obama lied about the nature of his relationship with Ayers. He may not share Ayers' radicalism (or he may), but he doesn't want to have to explain away his lie and he doesn't have a good reason for hanging out with Ayers. What if McCain were friends with Eric Rudolph, Timothy McVeigh (I know he's dead), or David Duke and simply referred to them as guys who "live in my neighborhood?" Obama and his disciples would say that McCain was showing signs of dementia or has poor judgement. Obama's thuggish response is unbecoming and consistent with the thinking public's deepest reservations about him.

let Obama alone. He is Democrat and needs to change county. Black is the future and we need money from the Man to get back on track. Tax the rich, feed the poor. You all going to be supporting the poor.

I'm shocked that there are those DEFENDING Ayers here! "Sure he was a terrorist, but he has brings great things to the table" WHAT???

Well yes he molests children, but now he is a great school teacher!! Same logic even if you don't admit it

Free speech is only free when liberals agree. Liberals shout down Michelle Malkin for being conservative, and now this guy. The suppression of opposition is the beginning of Communism.

I think Obama is finally revealing his true nature: win at any cost. Anyone remember how he won his first election, getting his opponent kicked off the ballot? His association with Ayers AND Wright AND Reczko speaks volumes of either 2 things:
#1-poor judge of character
#2-dirty player

Neither are qualities we want in a President.

Nice to see that the Party of "freedom of choice," the "Great Protector of Free Speech," being led by Stretch Pelosi and the Obamafascists are obsessed with silencing anything that does not fulfill their personal agenda! The fact is, Obama launched his political career in Ayers' living room. If he is so concerned about being tied to Ayers, perhaps he should have started his career by not aligning himself with a known uber-terrorist!

The Democrats have leveled libelous smears at Bush (and Cheney, et al) for 8 years and none of you rose up in moral outrage. Now, they suddenly find their voice? Hypocrisy is actually a word. Check it out... this all ignores the fact that Obama's own books are more damaging to his campaign than his connection to Ayers. Go figure.

Obamas camp is trying to stop free reporting? I thought it was Republicans, that are always culprit. But, that may be the change he's promissing... Democrats actions both in Denver (ABC News), and in Chicago (WGN) are chilling reminders of my growing up years behind the iron curtain. These are the same methods that communists employed, supressing information that was inconvenient. I did not expect it in this land of freedom. But watching actions of politicians in last few years it does appear that freedom is fading away. Don't we have the right to examine it all, decide for ourself where the truth is, and make our informed decisions that are based on all of the available facts. Wake up America.

Obama and his campaign are proof that liberals are anti free speech (ie fascist) unless it is in support of what they believe and completely intollerant of alternative points of view. Obama has targeted specific journalists to attack and try to get fired. They are threatening legal action against a 527 putting out anti-Obama ads. This behavior is rediculous! What is Obama so afraid of?!?

How DARE anyone criticize "THE ONE!"

Obama's attack on free speach is just a taste of what his liberal fascist storm troopers will be up to once he gets in power. This cult of personality worship has striking and eerie resemblancs to the early days of Hitler and Mao, and Obama is showing signs of following the same path. Aligning himself with terrorists, his wife a radical America-hater, the "church" he attended for 20 years a stew-pot of anti-european racism. Obama is a dangerous man, perhaps even more than Hillary. His hatred cult must be stopped by whatever means are necessary if this nation is not to enter a 2nd Civil War.

Am I actually reading that Berry is calling Stanley Kurtz a “terrorist?” But, William Ayers is a “friend.” My God where are we heading with this Marxist as a leader?

Test run of the “Fairness Doctrine.” Silence and suppress any political descent.

Obama, like most tyrants in the world (not saying that he's a tyrant). Gives lip service to free speech. But when it's free speech not in his favor, he wants to stifle and suppress it. How much different is that than the tyrants in China or Comrade Putin? It's time for the Democrats to decide if they really do believe in free speech, or if they'll be happy when the press and opposing opinions are all stifled. All journalists and columnists and talk show hosts should be very alarmed at this. This is chilling and frightening indeed.

Really? This is almost as bad as Ned Lamont supporters singing opera at the debates between he, Liberman, and the Republican candidate.

Who cares? People are going to say nasty stuff about you all the time. Going absolutely nuts and attacking all of them just gives them credibility.

This is still America, right? Freedom of speech applies to all. Attempting to shut down a critic is not accepable behavior. If Obama is elected does he plan to use the power of the federal government to shut down his critics? This man and his campaign is dangerous!

What bothers me most is that ANY criticism of Obama is immediately attacked as either being racist or slanderous.
I get even more worried when I see the liberal socialists trying to resurrect the so called "Fairness Doctrine" which in my opinion is nothing more than an attempt to muzzle dissenting conservative voices.
I want to know the facts and truth about the Ayers/Obama relationship. If lies or slander are presented they must be proven as such. Angry partisan objections to criticism without supporting facts to disprove critical statements don't cut it. Suppresion of truth is an ugly communist tactic that has no place in America

Remember the famous Democrat line they always use on a conservatives, it isn't whether they are guilty or not it is the seriousness of the charge. Obama hangs continuosly with folks I don't want my kids near. He is a leftwing radical. He is hiding who he is. That is why they fight so much when the truth be told!

First an Acceptance speech in an Olympian Temple with 75000 spectators. Now they do more than shout down the opposition, they seem to want to put them out of business. How is this materially different from the things we saw in Germany 75 years ago?
If they don't like what is said about the Obama-Ayers connection they should refute them. If they can.

Ron Roth

I'm reading some of these comments with a state of disbelief!

1.) Reference to "Swiftboating". Keep in mind that Kerry said ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS (including Meet The Press) that he would release his medical records and sue the group running the ads about his service record. To date --- no records, no law suit. Hummm!

2.) John Edwards kept referring to the National Enquirer as "tabloid trash". The mainstream media didn't bother to look into the story. Edwards finally admits he lied.

3.) Bill Clinton stated he never had a relationship with Jennifer Flowers, never had relations with the intern. All of a sudden up pops taped recording of phone calls to Flowers showing that he lied. All of a sudden up pops DNA on the interns dress showing he lied.

See a pattern here? Thank God that WGN had the courage to put this guy on (despite efforts to silence the station) so that people could get some "other information" that they'd never hear from the mainstream media.

Is there a dress? Are there recordings? Will we ever see those medical records? If Kurtz is lying, the truth will come out. This is America, he shouldn't be silenced. If Obama gets to be President, is he going to try to silence criticism from Russia, Iran, etc? Get real! If this guy is lying, call him out with THE FACTS. Send your representative on the radio to FACTUALLY rebut his charges

I am a Democrat and have been for many years, but I have to tell you, this man scares me to death. From his associations to his background to the things that I don't know about him - what is he afraid of? The American way is for open discourse and anything else is Hitler like. Obama is not what I want for my Democrat leader.

It seems that free speech only applies to those on the left.

" Me thinks thou doth protest too much..." comes to mind...what is Obama wanting to hide?

I, for one, will start listing to this guy on the net, if I can!

Spoken like a true Marxist. Shut down opposition...

First the guy taking out anti Obama ads...

Now a Radio Station...

Do we need any more of a reason to keep this guy as far away from the White House as possible...

I hate to say it, but this is an insight into what we will be subjected to if Hussein gets elected. Free Speech will be severely diminished and speaking our minds and disagreeing with Chairman Hussein will be met with severe punishment.

The more I read , the more I believe liberalism is a mental distubance...nothing a cleansing, verbal logic slap in the brain wouldn't help though...

There's a difference between free speech and slander. I wouldn't expect you right-wingers to know the difference. Isn't this this kind of bloody campaigning that McCain cried about when it was done to him by Bush?

"I think those who codemn Obama's association with Ayers should remember that many US soldiers behaved like terrorists during the Viet Nam war."

There's amessage I hope the Obama supporters will spread. That way I can get an early night's sleep on election night secure that McCain has won in a landslide.

It used to be Obama's utter lack of qualification for the Presidency that prompted me to oppose his candidacy. However, his heavy-handed attempts to shut down free political speech ala Castro, Chavez, are even more disturbing. My god, what is this man afraid of? Do we really want a person like this in the White House?

That feller sure has some thin skin.

Everyone in this country should be afraid of what this country will look like if Barack Hussein Obama becomes the leader of the free world. Do we really want someone like BHO exercising control at the highest level in this country and be in charge of protecting our civil liberties knowing his supporters are already out there trying to suppress our free speech rights? Scary!

When strident true believers in "Hope" and "Change" shouted down their opponents in Weimar Germany everyone knew what to call them.Obama's glassy eyed followers are no better.I know what to call them too

"Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain! The Great and Powerful Oz has spoken!"

Notice the words that were used by the Obama people. This is character assassination 101, straight from the Clinton playbook (i.e.Ken Star investigation) Don’t rebut the findings, smear the messenger. We do not need this malarkey for 4-years.

So this is american obama wants? where only his hatchetmen can speak? What happened to the 1st amendment? This guy is going to start a civil war.

I am sorry I missed Milt’s show. Sounds like a great one.

I agree that we shouldn’t let hatchet men have free speech. And, of course, anybody who disagrees with me is, ipso facto, a slimy hatchet man. I’m sure it’s the same with Obama. As an agent of change he realizes that wrong thinking people can only confuse. Free speech really means the right for approved people to freely say what is true. He realizes that we only need to hear the right idea; all the others just detract us from the path of enlightenment.

So Kurtz could only get access to the papers after the owner was notified who was inquiring? Everybody can see that’s different than the police being notified of a library patron’s interests which is an example of Bushitler’s Naziism. Here the libraries have the duty to inform on who is studying certain papers. I’m sure in the deed of donation there was a clause saying only library users who agree with Obama can view these. After all, it’s not like this is a public venture involving public money or school students or such.

They were right when they said: “If Bush is elected the libraries will end up snitching on their patrons.”

(Hey, Milt. Have that guy on again after he’s had more time to go through the papers.)

What bluster; and blather; the 1st amendment is not at play or in danger here. And right-wingers like Kurtz have no problem finding air time; after all who has been buying up the radio stations?

So much for free speech. Everything this joker says or does smacks of Marxism!

Way too reminiscent of Hugo Chavez's Venezuela or Robert Mugabe's Zimbabwe for me. Marxist/Leninists just can't stand opposition and must crush free speech to thrive and prosper. Democrats favor stifling free talk radio speech with their misnamed fairness doctrine which will move quickly through Congress should Barack Hussein Obama be elevated to Reich Fuehrer.

Obama is just a typical Illinois hack. He can talk sweet, but he is what he is.

Why would anyone expect him to hold to a higher standard, given that he is emerging from the mud pit of Illinois politics?

I think those who codemn Obama's association with Ayers should remember that many US soldiers behaved like terrorists during the Viet Nam war. I think the soldiers shouldn't be judged harshly today because of the actions they did at that time. Certainly, the soldiers' wives, co-workers, and co-board-members should not be judged as if they, too, were terrorists.

As Bill Clinton used to say "That dog don't hunt".
_____________________
It that you John Kerry ?
War is hell little man !
War is kill or be killed .
I also notice your side never mentioned the suicide bombers , beheaders by Al QUADA or your backing Commuminist in Nam and their Marching off 2.7 Million into the swamps we re education camps with less than a million coming back . I was one of those Marines Kerry lied on you promote your self .

So....this is the type of change we can look forward to should BHO and his type get real power....attempts to shut down radio programs? Sound more like a Chavez tactic....but then Chavez ans Che' are "heroes" to the left.

All I have to say to Obama supporters is the sting in any rebuke is the truth. Right now they are behaving like bullies, and this is what we have to look forward to with an Obama presidency. Look for the "fairness doctrine" to come back and squelch free speech. Good luck.

Mmmm. "Looks like the chickens . . . have come home to ROOST".

Obama is a fraud. He has nothing to run on. He has much to run from.

Put some pressure on him and he will crack.

I was suprised by the comments of Mr. Michael Weiser. In the begining of his repsonse it was a fairly well thought out and reseaonable. I then became insensed when he tried to compare US Soldiers in the jungles of Viet Nam, under extreme and arduous pressure to Bill Ayers. Mr Ayers lived free because of the sacrifice these fine young men made. Good men, a personal friend, died while not preforming these so called terrorist attacks in an unjust war; but, one the US committed no none the less. What pressure did Ayers suffer from? What resturant to go to? What show to watch on TV? What issue he wanted to rant against or what government building or landmark he could blow up. At least those who did wrong in Viet Nam found remorse and sought forgiveness for some regretable and terrible acts. Ayers, at least what I have been able to read, to this days believes he was justified. I suppose the lesson is that we are judged by the company we keep and if you are willing to align yourself with what some believe are way out of the main stream you need to be able to handle the critisism that comes from those alliences. I believe that the WGN family will do there best to ensure the accuracy of what is presented in thier media outlets. Lets just hope that national companies (MSNBC in general, Kieth Oberman in particular) gets held to the same standards the Obama campaign wants to hold WGN group to. Who am I kiiding, we know the majority of media is liberal in nature and never recieves the critisim that anyone who even give the right a chance recieves. Once again look at the fueds on MSNBC.

What a surprise. The party that alleges to defend the constitution attempts yet again to bully someone's freedom of speech...

You know, the Dems are really making Denver look more and more like Berlin in 1930 every day. Remember HE had large crowds or adoring fans too!

obama's gestapo is here!!

Right or wrong, this is an attack on free speech. What are the dems afraid of? That people can not make up their own minds about what they read or hear? If Rev. Wright and Resko didn't wreck the campaign do you think Ayers will?

The only thing under legitimate attack here is the First Amendment!

Arrest him and put him in the same cell as the ABC reporter arrested in Denver yesterday. Then we can make a copy of the Bill of Rights and put it in the Wax Museum. And along the way, we arrest Jeremiah Wright and anyone else who makes us angry. Then we can start whispering to our children..."don't say that, we'll be reported."

Does Obama simply not get it?

If he left the radio program and Kurtz alone, the broadcast would at most have some local recognition.

With an official response to the show, however, he just elevated it to prime time. At a minimum, it is elevated to the six hour Limbaugh and Hannity window.

Instead of debating the issue, he attacks the fact that the radio show gave a venue to Kurtz. Similarly, he attacks Corsi for writing his book.

Meanwhile, ABC reports that one of their journalists was arrested on a public street while trying to do his job. I don't know how accurate that report is, but it sure doesn't come off sounding well.

You can expect a new slew of McCain approved ads on this. "It is unacceptable that WGN would [give him] time"? Stand by for the anti-freedom-of-speech ads. Wait till the other politically active groups combine this with the Fairness Doctrine issue...

In all fairness. If you are anywhere near the Obama policy camp, you need to stop lobbing softballs to the other side. Your celebrity status means that any response you make will make it to the Drudgereport at a minimum.

In fact, I wouldn't even be on this site if I didn't see it there.

Conservatives today seem to have a strange idea what freedom of speech means.

When protesters at the Democratic Convention refused to speak with a FoxNews reporter he complained that they didn't believe in freedom of speech as if this freedom compelled them to respond.

When the Dixie Chicks simply said they were ashamed of President Bush, conservatives organized a nationwide effort to destroy their livelihood.

When a TV movie about Ronald Reagan did not depict the icon they mythologized they demanded that it be taken off the air.

It was their right to picket and threaten theaters that screened Farenheit 9/11.

When Rachel Ray wore a fashionable scarf they idiotically saw as a Palestinian keffiyeh they threatened her advertiser until they withdrew the commercial.

Bush agents remove individuals from a presidential event who wear dissenting T-shirts, scientists have their findings censored by the administration and Justice officials are punished for independent judgment.

...but when Obama supporters utilize their freedom to express themselves that is a threat to American freedom.

This hypocritical current outrage is as laughable as Hannity expressing concern for Hillary Clinton's treatment at the convention or Bill Krystol's concern for the glass ceiling affecting women.

At this historical moment Conservatives have lost any credibility on the subject. They are as laughably simplistic and puerile as their representatives in the media.

Attacks against innocent American civilians that injure, terrorize and damage property is criminal behavior and can Not to be compared to War. This was radical anti-American behavior from within and the fact that Barack Obama has no problem embracing and surrounding himself with these radical figures are cause for concern and need to be discussed Now.

Who got the wasted million dollars??? Sen Meeks sure could use the money.

What a bunch of babies...as usual Liberals try to turn off the light of truth when it is eluminating their actions and associations. Senator Obama is a Marxist and has been "schooled" in it by Reverend Wright (with black liberatioin theology) and people like Ayers! There is no disputing this and trying to shut people up because they report facts will only hurt Obama's campaign in the long run!

Reading these comments from Obama supporters making excuses for Ayers plans to kill military men, women and families just reinforces my opinion of them and of their candidate. Although I'm not a big McCain fan, I'm glad that there is another option besides Barrak. That is unless he gets voted in and pulls a "Chavez" on America and turns it into his socialist experiment like he would like to do, and then he ammends the constitution and keeps himself in office for an unlimited term...

This country is strong because it is a democracy which allows for the debate of ideas. Out of the debate comes strength and direction. Is the Obama campagin addressing the facts and ideas presented or are they just trying to silence the voices of change?

WOW !!! Change? Lest we forget the letters sent to the networks to get them to not air the political ads of his association with Ares. And letters to the DOJ to have a criminal investigation to the person in Dallas funding the ads. Hey Obama, Is the change you want start with dictator type control of our free speech? What are you exactly afraid of ?
Don

Hysterical...the Obama camp strongly desires intelligent commentary / political discourse, yet he expressly sponsors the McCain no. of houses ads and the $5,000,000 comment taken out of context.

Obama used to be refreshing, now he's just another politician. Way to go, O.

To Michael Weiser:

I heard your call to Milt Rosenberg last night. You seem to be in some sort of denial as to why this is relevant. Let me help you out.

Mr. Obama has sold himself in this campaign as a post-partisan pragmatist, to use the words of his campaign, 'the new hope for change'.

It is, however, apparent from Mr. Obama's own actions and the actions of those he associates with -- Father Pfleger, Rev. Wright, Ayers and Dohrn and yes, Tony Rezko, that Obama at the very least aligns himself with people who are dyed in the wool communists, terrorists and America-haters. They HATE this country. It could be argued that his own wife hates this country-- she said so!

I think those who codemn Obama's association with Ayers should remember that many US soldiers behaved like terrorists during the Viet Nam war. I think the soldiers shouldn't be judged harshly today because of the actions they did at that time. Certainly, the soldiers' wives, co-workers, and co-board-members should not be judged as if they, too, were terrorists.It is preposterous of you to equate US soldiers with terrorists. The case against Ayers and Dohrn is, by their own admissions, indefensible. Where is your proof after 40 years of anything you've asserted?Apologists like you, and your censorious brothers and sisters in the Obama campaign are giving your enemies all the ammunition they need to destroy you.If Obama, Ayers, Dohrn, Wright, Pfleger, and their ilk have nothing to hide, then let's have all the evidence out in the open and let's let the people decide. By the way, here's a link to the whole 2 hour show: http://caster.wgnradio.com/podcasts/x720full-043-080827.mp3

"I think those who codemn Obama's association with Ayers should remember that many US soldiers behaved like terrorists during the Viet Nam war." First off, thank you for that comment. Shows your true colors of your feelings towards our men and women in uniform. Secondly, most of our soldiers (like 99.9999%) percent of fought honorably. You are entitled to your opinion, but not the facts.

"Me thinks thou dost protest too much." I think that aptly applies here. Mr. Obama, if you desire political transparency, why not let Mr. Kurtz make his case? If there are slanderous statements being made, file a suit. Liberals always tout the ability of the courts to adjudicate for the "common" man. What do you have to fear?

The truth will out.

What do Obama supporters have to gain by suppressing free speech?

Let the facts speak for themselves.

The U. of Illinois should release all information. Why should public records be hidden from public view?

Why is it that one cannot criticise the family, e.g. Chelsea, MZ Obama, et al on the democratic side? Yet it is a free-for-all on the republican side, e.g. Bush twins, Newt's mother, and a host of others?
Why is it that one cannot attack a platform BASED ON records if it is against a democrat, but can attack a platform on hearsay if is against a republican? Not only that, but criticism is made without all the facts, such as the opposition was included to defend the criticism simultaneously. I sense foul play and I am an independent.

It might be a good idea to elect Senator Obama as president.
If he is as socialist and left wing as I think he is, let him do 4 years in the White House and it will be at least 20 years before another Democrat wins the white house.

Let's see. Obama and the Democrats pre-emptively arrest an ABC reporter in Denver on a public side-walk taking photographs of top Dems and Big Donors/ (Lobbists?) leaving a hotel. That should be big bigs news, and would be big news if it were Republicans.

The pre-emptive attack on Stanley Kurtz suggest a pattern. Obama and the Democrats are hiding many things they don't want the American voters to know. God help us is the Democrats win the White House.

The idea that Obama is a new kind of politician is laughable.

Dr. Rosenberg's show has a long history of balanced, thoughtful discussion. However, in recent years, Dr. Rosenberg's personal views have shifted both the balance of the show - and the degree of impartiality he shows on-air.

Given the charges made by Kurtz, and given the "gravitas" that Extension 720 has accrued under Dr. Rosenberg's tenure, it would have been far better to postpone this show until 1) the Obama staff could have arranged for someone to rebut Mr. Kurtz on-air, or at least 2) until these charges could have been further vetted by other impartial bodies of the media.

However, if Dr. Rosenberg wishes to defend his timing and arrangement of Mr. Kurtz as a guest, I lok forward to the future Extension 720 shows that critically look at John McCain's role in the Keating Five, as well as into the charges that McCain's late father-in-law had possible mob ties through his liquor distribution business.

Saul Alinsky would be proud of Senator Obama. I pity him.

So typical of the Democrats...
There's a reason they've started referring to "Bush-McCain policies". Plain and simple, it's to scare people! And then they turn around and whine and complain when a conservative dares to speak his mind and what he's found about Obama. So typical...

BTW...I'm still waiting for the Dems to present evidence of "Bush-McCain policies." Last time I checked, Bush was President, Dick Cheney was VP, and John McCain was 1 of over 500 in Congress and hasn't been a chairman of anything since the Democrats got control of Congress. If voting for something the President approves of makes it a "Bush-whoever policy," do we want more years of "Bush-Pelosi / Reid / Kerry / Kennedy / Rangel, et al policies?" Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't Nancy Pelosi more powerful in the federal government than John McCain?
Democrat playbook - scare the people about 4 more years of "Bush-McCain policies"...all the while ignoring the fact that that is literally an impossible thing...and ignoring the fact that the Democrat-controlled Congress has an approval rating of 9% (well less than 1/2 of Bush's!) because they haven't accomplished even a fraction of what they promised to do if the voters gave them control of Congress...and all the while whining like little babies about it not being fair that a conservative be given an opportunity on the radio to talk about their candidate!
I hope WGN doesn't back down to the Democrats own fear tactics...

whenever liberals (socialists) are confronted with facts, they endeavor to shout down the opposition, just like the brown-shirt thugs they are.

that democrats like Obama and Daley have no problem associating with a murderous terrorist like ayers, welcoming his support, speaks volumes about the democratic party...and if you 'rats are so proud of ayers, why do you have to shout down his association with your savior?

truth hurts.

That is some amazing work the traitor Ayres and his pupil Obama did w/ Chicago schools. As of 2006 an amazing 52.6% graduation rate. Look it up. What a great President he will make.

People, this is what we can expect from a Pres. HUSSEIN Obama!!

Why so surprised? O'Bama is cut from the same mold as Chavez, Castro, and Hassad. Leftist Socialist who know better than the common man. Any one who is afraid of Free Speech has something to hide. After he is elected, you will see "hate speech" legislation which will eliminate "Free Speech". He is just a Leftist Dictator who is waiting for his Crown.

If they hated Kurtz, then just imagine how much they hate Phillip Berg, the Philadelphia attorney who is a Hillary backer who has filed a motion in federal court to stop Obama's campaign based on false birth certificates that show a Hawaiian born Obama but he was actually born in Kenya? This guy has JUST done this action. This is no Fred Phelps either...this guy was a Philadelphia states attorney and head of the Democratic party in Montgomery country PA. How exciting this could get IF he is on track!
Oh, let's silence him too, though. He is anti-Barack! Someone get after this guy! Who does he think he is opposing Obama?

This whole thing with WGN is so funny. Years ago, I put a sign in my yard for a democrat. I am in Phil Crane's home town. A republican precinct worker went to my neighbor asking "who does this guy think he is putting up a Melissa Bean sign?" I laughed! But then went to the office of the Republicans and let them have both barrels! Now, someone should send the same message to Adolf Obama. When Steve Dahl and Gary Meyers used to make jokes about John Wayne Gacy building a house that sleeps 27, no one ever got on their case and took them off the air...so....Barrack...get over it!

Lastly, what did Barack mean...
God Bless America? Is he talking about Allah? or the God everyone wants stricken from EVERYWHERE! I personally believe he meant Allah bless America..afterall, a god is a god is a god, right?

Only Obamacons are universally opposed to free speech. This is only reminiscent to Hitelr, mao and Josef Stalin.

Viva Fidel! Viva Barrak!....Or so, THEY would have us say.

The Obama supporters are not against free speech, they’re only against speech they disagree with. People are free to say anything that will help Obama, since Obama is good. Hence, anything that hurts Obama is bad. We don’t want bad to triumph, do we? Censoring speech that hurts Obama is identical to prohibiting the proverbial yelling, “Fire!” in a crowded theater. Got it? Now shut up.

As I stood in the endless, dreary line of worker drones, each of us in our drab, gray coveralls, with the ID numbers stitched to our right breast pockets, I dared to look up, past the guards with the guns, to the multitude of vid-screens placed all around me.
They Flashed their messages at me in rapid succession, YES WE CAN!, HOPE WE CAN BELIEVE IN!, TIME FOR CHANGE!, SERVE!, OBEY!, DO NOT CRITICIZE THE GREAT LEADER OBAMA! OBEY!, THE STATE IS FATHER, THE STATE IS MOTHER!
OBEY!!!
The line shuffled forward, quiet, subdued, defeated in spirit. Once more I dared to look up,and saw high overhead, with bitter tears streaming down my face, the giant hologram up in the night sky of the GREAT LEADER'S face smiling beatifically down upon this lowly citizen. Yes, change is coming America. God save us....

Hey Swamp, don't you have a full staff of reporters in Denver? Why no article on the reporter who tried to document who the dems big fundraisers were getting arrested? For taking pictures on a public sidewalk?
For years we've heard the left call Bush a dictator, now we see Obama trying to curtail free speech and freedom of the press. Why won't you do your job and report it?

Oh Great and powerful Obama....may I please excuse myself to pee? Tell me what to do, oh great and powerful Obama. I cannot think for myself.

Supressing free speech?
B. Hussein Obama sure seems angry over the attention this Ayers thing is getting, there must be some truth to his close relationship with an unrepentant terrorist. True to leftist form Obama refuses to address the issue and instead is attacking the messenger.

So is this what an Obama presidency would look like? Try to smash free speech every time you don't like the content?

Obama,

They gave you a chance to give your side of the story. What are you afraid of?

"he's not trying to silence free speech. He just wants to stop the smear tactics"

That is what every single Dictator in the world says.

"Unfounded attacks" Mugabe

"We only want the truth" Myanmar Dictators

"For the good of the country" Stalin

If you Kool aid drinkers can't stand this version of the truth, then you truly are "lost"

Ok Obama, you ran for president, guess what it's open season on your past...get a radio show to air your side don't protest free speech. The media has given Obama a ton of positive air time and almost treat him as if it is a foregone conclusion that he will be President.

I have never seen such manipulative tactics by a candidate and his minions in the media to prohibit someones free speech. This is only the tip of the iceburg Iam sure!. Just wait until they legislate their free speech 'code of ethics' into the internet and radio.... It's an ObamaRama frenzy!
Euro globalism politics is just around the corner comrades.

As the demonstrators in Denver chanted, "This is what a police state looks like". The Obamabots are calling in with a rote statement to make without having to think about anything. Sort of like how the Brown Shirts got started. So the Messiah "...just wants the media to be responsible and not peddle misleading innuendo"? If that were the case, the only thing the major networks would be able to provide would be the ball scores. Remember Dan Rather's phony hit piece on Bush that turned out to be a pack of lies? What goes around comes around, Mr Obama. Grow a pair and take it!

Oh, please. As a young African-American I am personally embarrassed over the patronizingly racist protection and propagandization of Obama. This sort of political manipulation and suppression of free speech would never have happened with a Caucasian candidate. FYI: there are many of us in our community who still believe in content of character over skin color. Obama shouldn't be trying to hide his strong connections to numerous racist, anti-American, anti-Semitic and yes, terrorist friends.

Sounds like a pitch to bring back the (un)fairness doctrine

Once again for Obama, freedom of speech in the 1st person only.

What other truth about Ayers do you need except what he's done and what he's admitted to still wanting to happen?

Nuance is the process of explaining away the hypocritical contradictions of your words and actions, so let's not judge child rapists either because nuance dictates they love children and mean no real harm.

A person's politics are the worst ones they actively support, so lets's call Ayers what he is, a revolutionary marxist terrorist.

Wait a minute. Who is McCain associating with? Did he associate with any number of criminal RepubliCorps? What is his association with the criminal warmonger, Dick Cheney? Boy George Prince Bush? Abramoff? Does Rush Limbaugh visit him for sexual liasons? I need to do me some research and get me a radio show. I bet that I can infer that there's three way gay sex with Limbaugh, Cheney and McBush. Hell, them boys have them purdy mouths! Hell yeah! Get me a radio show! Who is worse Ayers or the criminals that dooped a nation into war? I'd take Ayers over Cheney anyday.

Obama is creating his own politics of fear and bullying. Anything that is printed or spoken that is negaitive, he, his cronies and religious zealots attack. They attempt to silence free speach of the oposition while they themselves knowingly take statemtents out of context and publish their own lies. THIS IS NOT CHANGE.

I cannot see how Ayers could be tapped for higher education reform or any other type of job that allows decision making for the public as a whole. Today, if I did the same things as Ayers did, I would be marked for life in my records. I would never be hired being a teacher, police officer, become an attorney, judge or for that fact ever work for the federal government. How has this guy received a free pass for the things that he has admitted too?? Why is this guy not in jail?? Where is his debt repaid to society?? OHHH he knows Obama, born through the thug mentalities of Chicago Politics. He came from a corrupt area when he was an Illinois Rep. He came from corrupt state as a senator. Now he wants to be the presidential nom for a corrupt party. What shall we expect, Change and Hope that we will not become a socialist or corrupt country?? Stay away from this guy he is poison and he's selling people empty promises. Wake up dems there is a real world out there and it requires people to work and not let the government be the end all to life’s solutions. It's called RESPONSIBILITY.

There is no one more against free speech than the left wing radicals who try to hide behind it.They love peace and free speech until it's something they don't agree with, then it's slander, lies and has to be squashed at all cost. Hypocrisy 101, the guidbook to the left.

Poor B.O. - everybody is out to get him. How is he going to emerge from his temple tomorrow evening to his adoring worshippers with all this truth coming out about him. This guy was hoping he could "fly under the radar" into the White House before anyone found out what he really is - this man is dangerous. If he tries to muzzle free speech now, what will he do when he is elected to the highest office in the land. He'll do to the USA what Mugabee has done to Zimbabwe.

Free speech should apply to all, not just people wha agree with you. First the suppression of information on his ties to a terrorist, then using intimidation to try and squelch the opposition. Classic Chicago ward politics. If we get Obama, we will get change, but change into what?

Hey, Obama ... BOO!!

What's amazing is the worse "thing" the GOP slime machine can find on Obama is that TO MANY PEOPLE LIKE HIM!!!! Ha!! That is FUNNY!

Someone said:

"$100,000,000 with no improvement in the problem?"

The money did achieve its goal -- it got Obama where he is today, on the brink of being President. It was never about the education; it was all about accumulating political power.

What does Obama have to hide that these records are sealed? If this was any republican the press would be up in arms about it. The same media that rushes to release intelligence secrets that are leaked does everything it can to cove for their guy. Obama is a whiner!!!!!!