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budster101 · Jul 5, 2005, 10:00 PM

Will somebody point out where he is supposed to be funny?

I almost fell asleep during the third one with Robert Redford. I mean, RR should stick to making movies... The first with him was nauseating as it was.

No wonder Air American is in the crapper.

Kevin · Jul 5, 2005, 10:01 PM

He wasn't even funny on SNL.

Stuart Smally was boring too.

Al is only funny when he starts tackling people.

ManOfSteal · Jul 5, 2005, 10:04 PM

I prefer this Podcast from earlier today...

budster101 · Jul 5, 2005, 10:05 PM

Could he at least use some inflection in his voice? What a pathetic excuse for entertainment let alone the news. I'd rather watch Dan Rather make up crap than listen to this sh/thead.

BTW: That podcast is not available in the US Store?

lasvegasgamer · Jul 5, 2005, 10:07 PM

I think he's pretty funny. You're listening to a very small segment of the Al Franken show, but it really depends on your style of humor. He really shines when he's taking conservatives to task for lying in their books.

However, what's the deal asking about this Podcast? If I posted every podcast on the lounge I didn't like, I'd be banninated so quickly for spamming ;-)

budster101 · Jul 5, 2005, 10:10 PM

ARE YOU KIDDING? They all sound the same.

You calling me a spammer? I gave this dolt a shot, and I'm just starting a thread about it. How can this be spam? I'm not advertising for anyone or suggesting anyone listen to him. On the contrary, I'm wondering why there is anyone that could like him?

What is it that makes him funny?

I'm not talking politics here so don't steer this into being moved. I'm talking about his radio show and interviewing. Not his politics.

ManOfSteal · Jul 5, 2005, 10:10 PM

Originally Posted by budster101

BTW: That podcast is not available in the US Store?

Weird, I guess the link is borked from iTMS...

ESPN Radio Podcast:7/5/05: Sublime Rickey

budster101 · Jul 5, 2005, 10:13 PM

ESPN podcast. Refreshing after Al Frankenbore...

MindFad · Jul 5, 2005, 10:17 PM

Al Franken is a big poopy head.

Kevin · Jul 5, 2005, 10:25 PM

budster101 · Jul 5, 2005, 10:32 PM

I'm really still waiting for some intelligent commentary on how this guy is funny.

Ghoser777 · Jul 5, 2005, 10:38 PM

Dry. Humor. You either like it or you don't. The Redford one was pretty boring, mainly because Robert was doing all the talking. For some reason I can stand listening to him more than Limbaugh or Hannity...

budster101 · Jul 5, 2005, 10:48 PM

I know dry humor. Have yet to hear any from him... just the dry. Actually RR was doing all the poorly scripted talking. Al couldn't even lead him correctly. It was patently scripted. RR didn't know the names of anything he was discussing, and Al had to fill him in.. "Oh, I'm glad you asked me that..." barf.

I rarely listen to Limbaugh btw, Hannity is on too late, I sometimes like O'reilly, but I'm really looking into this guy, and am having a difficult time buying the bs. He can't sell it. Not like Limbaugh or Hannity.

Ghoser777 · Jul 5, 2005, 10:54 PM

Was the Redford podcast the only one you caught? Perhaps Al doesn't work well on podcasts either...

budster101 · Jul 5, 2005, 10:58 PM

First post. I had listened to the first 3. Two of them Redford.
Can he talk and walk at the same time? What's the difference? Don't make excuses for the guy. I realize that talk radio is difficult, hell it's damned near impossible to succeed. Rush has been around for a while and is testimony that he's doing somethign right. Air America is in deep trouble, and I think that Al is one reason. He's just plain bad. Not funny. Any other links to something that IS funny with him?

Looking back, I can't even register a time when he made me laugh once.

Ghoser777 · Jul 5, 2005, 11:16 PM

You listened to the first three... and two of them were Redford? So did you listen to the third one twice, because Redford only was in the third one. Otherwise I'm just confused.

Your point on Al is interesting, because it seems to be the exact opposite of what's really happening - his show is one of the few that is currently carrying Air America. If his show was better, that definitely would help, but they have bigger issues. For example, they don't have coverage in the Chicago area (they botched that deal up).

I honestly laugh all the time when Al is talking. There's people who crack up listening to Rush, I just don't happen to be one of them (although he is very "polished"). To each his own I guess.

For some reason, I almost think it's easier for conservatives to make fun of liberals than the other way around. Someone said it once, and I think it was a Democrat (maybe Al), that their problem is that their arguments and positions are a little complex, while Republicans like to keep their issues black and white. It's easier to make fun of something when there's more to latch onto, IMO. It doesn't mean one side is right or wrong, just that it's easier to attack.

budster101 · Jul 5, 2005, 11:34 PM

I've never really cracked up listening to Rush, or Hannity, or O'Reilly. Rush does have humor on his show in the form of parodies, but I overall find his show interesting and as you stated, "polished". I've heard he's a really nice person, and generous. He did work his way up, and I like that. I don't think I've ever heard him be nasty on his show.

I have heard Al Franken be nasty and that could be why I'm having difficulty liking him, though I really never thought he was funny before on SNL. At best mildly entertaining because of the other supporting cast. He seems very bitter and quite angry, and I think he's making it hard for others like myself to get past that. I mean, really, Tackling someone at a public event? He really needs to class up a bit.

I don't know. There are ways of getting your ideas across without lying and obviously spinning your thoughts or those of your party of choice.

I'm not following on the complexity thing. I'll let that slide, as we are discussing Talk Shows and not politics. I'll just point out that, the notion is not logical, and a bit insulting.

Air America is backed by some very rich and oppinionated people, and left to it's own devices would be off the Air America. They are not getting the ratings, and I think I know why. Their message isn't the right one, and they are not entertaining.

lasvegasgamer · Jul 5, 2005, 11:36 PM

You managed to miss my point entirely.
I'm not saying this post was necessarily spamming, I was saying that if everyone asked why a certain podcast was in existance that they didn't like, this lounge would be full of pointless threads, kind of like the one you've created here.

We don't need to explain to you why something is funny or is not. I personally find him very funny, although it has been mentioned to you twice that those podcasts really aren't the best work of the Al Franken Show. You, however manage to take this to the next step, by quoting pure BS. Air America isn't doing that badly, and has steady ratings in most of the cities they are in. If you don't like it, that's fine, change your dial, but no one on this forum has an obligation to tell you why they may or may not like him,
(especially if when they do you respond as if they are 100% wrong and you are god).

Grow up, some like him, some don't. I do, you don't. Perhaps calling posts based on idiots who believe their opinion to be 100% right about subjective things wasn't spam. You were right, you're not spamming...you're being a damn troll.

lasvegasgamer · Jul 5, 2005, 11:41 PM

Edit/Addition: You've never heard Limbaugh be nasty? Why don't you go out and listen to the damn show you are purporting to be talking about. The example Al always gives about Rush shows why he is not only nasty but hypocritical. He once said that he believed anyone that anyone who used drugs should go to jail...totally ignoring situational addictions, socio-economic classes everything. He very often makes such categorizations about liberals on his show (calling patriotic Americas such as Max Cleland unpatriotic)...which are very nasty.

And now, obviously the hypocritical part. He gets found out for doing drugs, and it's of all sudden, no more of that jail thing.

Pathetic..

ort888 · Jul 6, 2005, 12:17 AM

It sounds like your problem is you cannot see past your own political beliefs.

Ghoser777 · Jul 6, 2005, 12:19 AM

Originally Posted by budster101

I'm not following on the complexity thing. I'll let that slide, as we are discussing Talk Shows and not politics. I'll just point out that, the notion is not logical, and a bit insulting.

I'm not sure why you think that's illogical, or even insulting. If your message is easier to convey, it's more readily accepted... at least that's how the theory goes. Sort of like how the whole "there's no step 3" thing for macs. If an argument requires a lot of complicated steps, I think most people are more likely to go with the argument that is less complicated. No insult was intended to either side of the issue.

Air America is backed by some very rich and oppinionated people, and left to it's own devices would be off the Air America. They are not getting the ratings, and I think I know why. Their message isn't the right one, and they are not entertaining.

What is right is not always popular. What is popular is not always right.

I've definitely heard both Rush and Sean be pretty mean. I always love when they have the token liberal on that they cut off and then proceed to annihilate on the issues. They're usually not very nice in that context, but that's just my opinion. But both sides do it. All the time.

I've given up ever really hearing a full, complete debate of any issue anymore. I did Policy Debate in high school, and I learned so much sh*t over the four years I did it that I have no idea how people try to stay informed on their own at all. There's so much stuff happening in the political realm all the time, you need to dedicate hours of research to stay afoot of it all. And listening to talk radio just doesn't cut it. Any time you see a 5 line blurb in a newspaper, there's way too much back story and implications to consider to have a real understanding of the issue. And those people who do, never set up their arguments in a way that can really clash. I see more sh*t throwing than anything else - throw a little here to grab these voters, throw a little here to grab another section. It's all one liners, quick jabs, and nothing. Makes me want to go an conquer an uninhabited island somewhere in the world.

[/political rant]

budster101 · Jul 6, 2005, 12:24 AM

I have appreciated your input regarding this topic. You sort of lost me with the lsat paragraph but you were on a roll so no big deal.

I've never heard either of them be mean, only respectful, as O'Reilly, but I'm beginning to listen to music more and more these days, and was searching as always to discover something new. I thought that someone could point me to something Al Franken has done so I could listen to a piece but so far no luck. I'd have liked a more level headed discourse, much like what you have presented.

Lancer409 · Jul 6, 2005, 02:27 AM

i love al franken. he has a hilarious sense of humor.
you have to check out his book "lies, and the lying liers who tell them" or something along those lines. get the audio book if you can find it (public library on cd's anyone?!?) and pop it onto your ipod... i like listening to him because he makes some very good points and injects humor and personality into it. hannity/rush/bernie ward ... they are'nt as interesting imho. ray taliafaro and michael savage ... they're just angry ass extremists in my book. oh .. and michael savage is either SUPER confident or full of himself. kinda turns me off in that respect. that being said, different personalities work for different folks. i like franken... you may not. give everyone their fair shake ya know?

screamingFit · Jul 6, 2005, 04:59 AM

Originally Posted by budster101

I have appreciated your input regarding this topic. You sort of lost me with the lsat paragraph but you were on a roll so no big deal.

I've never heard either of them be mean, only respectful, as O'Reilly, but I'm beginning to listen to music more and more these days, and was searching as always to discover something new. I thought that someone could point me to something Al Franken has done so I could listen to a piece but so far no luck. I'd have liked a more level headed discourse, much like what you have presented.

O'Reilly = Respectful?!?

You evidently don't listen to/watch his show regularly!!

Kevin · Jul 6, 2005, 05:57 AM

Originally Posted by ort888

It sounds like your problem is you cannot see past your own political beliefs.

Can a person not think someone is not funny without it being political?

I thought the guy was a bore back BEFORE I had political beliefs.

So it's not too hard to believe he thinks the same way.

The guy isn't known for his comedy. But for his zealous political whining.

Originally Posted by screamingFit

O'Reilly = Respectful?!?

You evidently don't listen to/watch his show regularly!!

No more or less respected than Franken.

Moderator · Jul 6, 2005, 06:27 AM

I think budster's mind is made up...

Anyway some of us listen because its refreshing to hear a progressive perspective after years of right wing shill radio (which I lsiten to as well)....not necessarily for the comedy

Kevin · Jul 6, 2005, 06:30 AM

Originally Posted by Moderator

I think budster's mind is made up...

If I hear something that isn't funny, I would still think it wasn't funny weeks from now. Why would he change his mind?

Anyway some of us listen because its refreshing to hear a progressive perspective after years of right wing shill radio

LOL! I love how this is "progressive" perspectives and not "left wing shill radio"

I think someone's mind was already made up before listening to him.

(which I lsiten to as well)....not necessarily for the comedy

So it is just pure partisan reasons?

Ok.

CreepingDeth · Jul 6, 2005, 09:11 AM

I like dry humor. I don't like Al Franken. It's boring. Not nearly as witty as someone who is even drier that him: Dennis Miller. I saw that 'Citizen Arcane' thing he did years ago and I almost got it.

budster101 · Jul 6, 2005, 10:27 AM

My mind IS made up. I've decided to never completely make up my mind and leave it open to possibilities.

I used to like Dennis Miller, but he needs a new gig besides acting in B movies. I'm really moving away from talk radio, I'm tired of the routines by all. I've watched my share of news and it's just depressing, but I'll watch enough to keep up on what's going on. My wife and I like to talk politics on occassion, and I do so until she slaps me, and then I switch into comedy mode... and do impressions to get off the topic.

I'm libertarian, and she's conservative which pisses her off, because at times I sound liberal. It's really funny, and we've been told we should have our own radio show.

In this thread, I'm trying to be convinced. I'm a salesperson, and we all want to be sold, no matter what signs we give out. So, I asked, sell me Al Franken. I'm not made up on the guy yet.

Thanks to those who posted some interesting commentary. Kevin, Lancer, Ghoser specifically, you were good reads. Mindfad actually made me laugh. "poopy head"...

ort888 · Jul 6, 2005, 10:46 AM

Originally Posted by Kevin

Can a person not think someone is not funny without it being political?

I thought the guy was a bore back BEFORE I had political beliefs.

So it's not too hard to believe he thinks the same way.

The guy isn't known for his comedy. But for his zealous political whining.

No more or less respected than Franken.

I've never heard the Al Franken show so I can't comment.

I have however heard a lot of the Hannity, O'Rielly and Limbaugh shows.

It just sounds to me like he made his mind up before he even started listening. I dunno. Maybe Al Franken does suck on the radio. I don't know. What I do know is that Hannity, O'Reilly and Limbaugh all suck as hard as the suckiest suck that ever did suck.

And they are actively mean spirited and rude. If Bubster101 can't see that then he isn't worth talking to on this matter.

budster101 · Jul 6, 2005, 11:07 AM

Are they rude and mean like you? "Bubster101".

Did you read the post just before yours? Are you that partisan and mean that you can't even take the time to read a person's post?

I think you made your mind up about me from the start. What a shame.

If you want to start a thread about Hannity, O'Reilly, and Limbaugh, then do so. Call it what you want, and we can all debate why you don't like them.

This is a thread about Al Franken.

"Hannity, O'Reilly and LImbaugh all suck as hard as the suckiest suck that ever did suck."

I'm convinced now. :/

ort888 · Jul 6, 2005, 11:38 AM

They are meaner than me and much more dangerous. They actual have an army of idiots that believe what they say.

I can listen to the show for 10 minutes and tell you that they are self-centered xenophobic blowhards. All three of them. Their shows are nothing but hours and hours of negativity and arrogant pandering.

Moderator · Jul 6, 2005, 11:38 AM

Originally Posted by Kevin

So it is just pure partisan reasons?

I listen to conservitive radio because I respect and subscribe to the traditionally conservative philosophy of individual freedom and personal responsibility.

I listen to progressive radio because the current adminsitration does not, in my estimation, adhere to that philosophy...and its about time someone other that Jon Stewart has started calling them on that.

Both platforms have something to offer me, and both do not. But the Bush administration has gone off the deep end..which has in turn pushed me more to the left.

TheMosco · Jul 6, 2005, 01:11 PM

I concider myself a liberal, and I don't really find al fraken all that funny during his show. I do however like his show alot more than some of the more some of the more conservative shows. Things like O'Reilly and Savage are entertainment, nothing more.

gotta love stuff like this:

http://www.misterclip.com/mp3/savageair.mp3
http://www.misterclip.com/mp3/savage.mp3

High quality hosting right there. O'Reilly isn't as bad as this, but his debating skill is horrible.

I just listen the fraken podcast with joe scarborough and thought it was good.

budster101 · Jul 6, 2005, 01:17 PM

TheMosco. Thanks for your thoughts here, and I appreciate how you presented them as non-aggresive in nature.

ort888 · Jul 6, 2005, 01:21 PM

Jeez... you weren't kidding. The Al Franken show is boring as hell. I can't even focus on this.

And I found him very funny on SNL.

Spliff · Jul 6, 2005, 01:27 PM

Originally Posted by budster101

In this thread, I'm trying to be convinced. I'm a salesperson, and we all want to be sold, no matter what signs we give out. So, I asked, sell me Al Franken. I'm not made up on the guy yet.

You're a salesman? Tell me you've seen "Kids in the Hall"? They do some hilarious sketches about salesmen. Brilliant stuff.

They're out on DVD.

As for Franken, I'm more left than right, but I don't find him funny at all. There's a whininess about him. Dennis Miller used to be funny, but now he's more cranky than funny. He's jumped the shark.

budster101 · Jul 6, 2005, 01:31 PM

That was one of my favorite shows! Those guys are awesomely hilarious! Great stuff. Brilliant!

You are right on target with your entire post. YOU WON THIS THREAD!
"Tell'em what he's won Bob!"

"He's won an all expensed paid trip to every other thread including this one... but that's not all...".

CreepingDeth · Jul 6, 2005, 01:37 PM

Originally Posted by budster101

That was one of my favorite shows! Those guys are awesomely hilarious! Great stuff. Brilliant!

You are right on target with your entire post. YOU WON THIS THREAD!
"Tell'em what he's won Bob!"

"He's won an all expensed paid trip to every other thread including this one... but that's not all...".

Anyone see the MadTV skit with the announcer from Price Is Right eating dinner with his wife? It was gold.

"Come on down…from that chair."

mojo2 · Jul 6, 2005, 03:19 PM

Originally Posted by budster101

I have appreciated your input regarding this topic. You sort of lost me with the lsat paragraph but you were on a roll so no big deal.

I've never heard either of them be mean, only respectful, as O'Reilly, but I'm beginning to listen to music more and more these days, and was searching as always to discover something new. I thought that someone could point me to something Al Franken has done so I could listen to a piece but so far no luck. I'd have liked a more level headed discourse, much like what you have presented.

This is a moot point methinks. It's like trying to intellectually or otherwise convince someone they should like the taste of asparagus. Bottom line, they try it...they like it...or they don't.

As far as Rush being mean and disrespectful, anyone remember the term, "femi-nazi?"

I kinda feel sorry for some of you whose taste in humor is so specifically defined (though not necessarilly saying, "narrow"). I enjoy Rush, Sean, Bill, Al, Howard, Dennis, Chris, SNL, Mad, the Kids, Savage (though he does regularly cross the line from sharply opinionated to downright angry), Jon Stewart and Glenn Beck. I've listened to KGO's Ray Taliaferro, Ronn Owens, Bernie Ward; WABC's John Batchelor and Mark Levin; Ollie North, Michael Reagan, Phil Hendrie, Laura Ingraham, Imus, G. Gordon Liddy, Janet Parshall as well as others and have enjoyed them all to one degree
or another.

Budster101 I appreciate your giving Franken a second try. But it may just be he will never be to your liking. I'd bet Al would understand and 'forgive' you.

budster101 · Jul 6, 2005, 03:33 PM

Actually, I hated asparagus when I was young, but because it came out of a can and I didn't know any better. Now, I love that stuff, but it does make my pee green. If it is made on the Grill it's even better, or you can lightly steam it and then make a panini sandwich with cheese.

It's all in the preparation and delivery. I just think Al Franken doesn't have that. Not yet anyway. I would hope for him to obtain the skills of the other hosts who are far more polished exhibit.

He has to prep his guests a bit better. If Robert Redford is to damned lazy to remember the names of the causes he is so "passionate" about, I'm not going to be convinced.

RE: Femi_nazi. That was funny. It was only meant for the militant psycho feminists.

Do I hate the idea of women standing on equal footing with men? Not at all. Rush is a very nice person, and honestly is quite shy away from the radio. He's more of an entertainer.

I love his parodies in music. Very creative, and quite funny. They show extremes in arguments which are good tools. Anyone knows there is a common ground, but that isn't funny.

MindFad · Jul 8, 2005, 01:07 PM

The Ed Klein interview is hilarious. As if we didn't know he was a major douche, but it's funny to hear him get ripped apart.

paul w · Jul 8, 2005, 01:29 PM

no kidding, wow. I love it when a journalist goes "That's what I was told". Um, check your facts?

MacNStein · Jul 8, 2005, 01:31 PM

Originally Posted by ort888

They are meaner than me and much more dangerous. They actual have an army of idiots that believe what they say.

I can listen to the show for 10 minutes and tell you that they are self-centered xenophobic blowhards. All three of them. Their shows are nothing but hours and hours of negativity and arrogant pandering.

You're referring to Franken, right?

budster101 · Jul 8, 2005, 05:25 PM

No way all three combined could equal the shear hatred that Franken exhibits. Never has any of them tackled a heckler at a political rally...

Al Franken is nutz.

Ghoser777 · Jul 8, 2005, 05:38 PM

Originally Posted by budster101

No way all three combined could equal the shear hatred that Franken exhibits. Never has any of them tackled a heckler at a political rally...

Al Franken is nutz.

I've heard some "off the mic" statements made by Hanity that indicate quite a bit of hatred toward certain individuals. Tackling someone is pretty strange for Franken, but I don't know if it's "hateful". What else tells you that he's a "hater"?

budster101 · Jul 8, 2005, 05:42 PM

"Rush Limbaugh is a big fat idiot" Title of his first book...

MindFad · Jul 8, 2005, 05:50 PM

Finally, it dawns on me that this is satire.

Right?

budster101 · Jul 8, 2005, 05:53 PM

It could be.

besson3c · Jul 8, 2005, 06:17 PM

Hey Budster,

Just out of curiosity, do you like Jon Stewart?