What Difference Does it Make

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton famously uttered that phrase while testifying in front of Congress on the Benghazi attack.  It has been a rallying cry for conservative, Republicans any anyone who fear another Clinton presidency.   It is possible that the gaffe will upend or end a Clinton run early.  For the moment, "What difference does it make."

In recent weeks a casual observer would believe the Obama administration has some good news.  It secured the release of a Marine who was a "prisoner" of the Taliban.  Normally, a release of this kind would bring an administration good will and praise.  This did not happen for the Obama administration. Why?

Like so many other things in the Obama administration this was handled badly.  There are real questions about Bowe Bergdahl's capture.  Did he desert? Did he collaborate? The Obama administration has no answers.  The Army, however, is still investigating.

The real problem with this episode is the release of fine high level, high value terrorists for a single Marine with only political value to the administration.  As is the case with so many things in the Obama administration, rules and laws may not have been followed and what could have been a win for the administration has become another failure and questionable activity.  So, what difference does it make.

The Obama administration could have had a political win with the capture of a high value asset in Libya.  This asset, according to reports, was responsible for leading the attack on the Benghazi compound resulting in the death of four patriots including Ambassador Chris Stephens. This terrorist was not in hiding.  Several western journalists had open interviews with this terrorist in the 20 months since the attack.  He made no secret of his location.  Yet, US intelligence were unable to walk up to him during one of his interviews and capture him.   The Obama administration, again, loses an opportunity for a political win.  As usual, questions about the operation outweigh the significance of the result. So, what difference does it make.

The Obama administration has lied, made false promises, covered-up and demonstrated its inability to lead and govern so many times.  There is no more credibility.  The American people and even some journalists are beginning to doubt the administration.  A recent poll was interpreted as saying the people believe Obama's presidency is over. During the Watergate scandal and the Cinton impeachment, there was never a poll like that. Nixon did the rights thibg for the country and, yes, the Senate did the rights thing by not convicting Bill Clinton.

Yet, the House is fearful of starting impeachment proceedings for two reasons.  First, Boehner and company are afraid of being called racist.  Second, they all know an election is coming soon.  Perhaps winning the Senate will give Congress a little more courage.  Perhaps not.  Then again, What Difference Does it Make."

Kerger Doesn't Get It

During the presidential debate, Gov. Romney said he would end the subsidy to public television.  While he specifically mentioned PBS, Rooney's plan calls for the elimination of funding for CPB, PBS, and NPR. It is something Romney has said on the campaign trail many times.  It has also been included GOP lead budgets in the House.

Today, PBS CEO Paula Kerger said it was stunning that Romeny would target the eli9mination of funding for PBS and Big Bird.  Kerger an well-known Obama supporter said, ""This is not about the budget. It has to be about politics."  I'm sorry Ms Kerger but your are wrong, dead wrong.

While several conservatives in Congress wanted to defend NPR totally and to prohibit stations from using federal funds to buy NPR programming after the firing of Juan Williams, in the Romney-Ryan budget it is about the budget.

Funding for public broadcasting, no matter how big or small, is the most visible symbol of hundreds of programs that need to bu cut to help lower the annual deficits and, eventually, the $16 trillion debt.  A debt that increased by over fifty percent since Obama took office.

Like the leader of many programs that will be cut, Kerger is only protecting her turf.  A turf that is increasingly liberal and losing audience.  If it were not for programs like Antiques Roadshow and Downton Abbey, the audience for PBS would be much smaller than it is.  It is an audience often forgotten in the search of revenue from sponsors.  Yet, Kerger promoted an entire week of opera.  A week that found an almost non-existent audience outside of a few opera centers.  It failed and Kerger has failed to bring the people and outside the beltway funding to PBS.

Kereger doesn't get that for the best programs to survive they must to begin looking for other sources of revenue.  The Federal government can no longer support.  If commercial interests will no longer support Ken Burns, then his long and boring programs must go.  If the far-left, Obama loving series Frontline cannot find funding in the marketplace, it must go.

Sesame Street may be one of the programs that survive.  It supports itself through merchandising and sponsorships.  It takes little, if any, federal funds.

PBS is not the problem. It is the symbol of hundreds of programs that cannot be sustained in a still weak economy.

More in Broadcasting and Cable

The Emmy's are COmming . . . The Emmy's Are Coming

Of all the award shows that lull viewers to sleep, the Emmy's seems to attract the most interest and viewers.  On Sept. 23, 2012, the 64thj Annual Emmy Awards will be on ABC with pre-game starting at 7pm Eastern.

Hosting for the first time is ABC's Jimmy Kimmel.  Frankly, I think he will do fine.  He draws a young audience and his comedy is current.  It could be one of the better shows in a long time.

The Emmys are, generally, not a political affair like the Academy Awards or the Golden Globes.  This year may be different.  A California PR firm is working with several series (most on ABC) to promote Obamacare.  While I will not watch those series, I plan to watch the Emmys.  Will the political crap from the Obama campaign hurt the show?  Yes, absolutely.  You can be the judge.

Here is the list of Emmy nominees for the 64th Annual gala.  Pick you favorites.

Somrthing for the Cord Cutters and Others

Do you have a Roku box?  I have three and they make watching tv fun again.  So many channels to choose from a large number of them are free.  Picture quality is, generally, good, but buffering on some of the channels is an issue.

Do you like Vudu?  Vudu is a streaming video services that offers a wide variety of movies and television shows.  Its biggest claim to fame is that it offers new movies before Netflix.

Well, now you can combine both.  Vudu is now available on Roku. When you sign up you will receive a $5.99 credit to your account.  Movies vary in price, but there are, generally specials.  My favorite from browsing the sit is the $2 for 2 night rental. You can use the Roku box to sign up or go to www.vudu.com.

Don't know much about Roku?  Go here.

For cord cutters another choice for current movies.  For movie lovers another choice.