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Author of ‘Hit the Road’ Newsweek Cover Story Skewers His Critics

Aug. 21, 2012 7:15pm

Being a conservative in any predominately liberal environment is difficult. Being a conservative at Newsweek is likely prohibitively difficult. And being the conservative whose message lands on Newsweek’s cover seemed, until this week, to be nigh impossible.

Enter Niall Ferguson, the rogue columnist responsible for the recent Newsweek cover story calling for President Obama to be voted out of office. Ferguson’s article has been slammed by several different sources for what those sources claim are factual inaccuracies and/or arguments in bad faith. Ferguson first acknowledged these attacks when he hit back against New York Times columnist Paul Krugman for misconstruing an argument that Ferguson had made about the Congressional Budget Office.

Niall Ferguson Hits Back at Paul Krugman, Dylan Byers, James Fallows and Brad DeLong For Their Criticisms of Newsweek PieceWell, now Ferguson has extended his attack beyond Krugman to the entire academic Left in a blistering four page blog entry countering numerous claims that Ferguson considers unfair. Most of the entry gets very deeply into the policy weeds, and if you want to read them all, you can look at Ferguson’s full take-down here. However, we do want to call your attention to the end, where he mockingly hands out “prizes” to his critics for specific varieties of ridiculousness:

First prize goes to Berkeley professor Brad DeLong, whose blog opened with the headline “Fire-His-Ass-Now.” “He lied,” rants DeLong. “Convene a committee at Harvard to examine whether he has the moral character to teach at a university.” My own counter-suggestion would be to convene a committee at Berkeley to examine whether or not Professor DeLong is spending too much of his time blogging when he really should be conducting serious research or teaching his students. For example, why hasn’t Professor DeLong published that economic history of the 20th century he’s been promising for the past six years? It can’t be writer’s block, that’s for sure.

Runner up is James Fallows of The Atlantic for his hilariously pompous post “As a Harvard Alum, I Apologize.” Well, as an Oxford alum, I laugh.

In third place comes Krugman with his charge of “unethical commentary … a plain misrepresentation of the facts” requiring “an abject correction.” The idea of getting a lesson from Paul Krugman about the ethics of commentary is almost as funny as Fallows’s apologizing on behalf of Harvard. Both these paragons of the commentariat, by the way, shamelessly accused me of racism three years ago when I drew an innocent parallel between President Obama and “Felix the Cat.” I don’t know of many more unethical tricks than to brand someone who criticizes the president a racist.

And, finally, a consolation prize for righteous indignation goes to Dylan Byers of Politico (“ridiculous, misleading, ethically questionable”).

Ouch. That is going to leave a mark.

In CONTROL, Glenn Beck presents a passionate, fact-based case for guns that reveals why gun control isn’t really about controlling guns at all; it’s about controlling us. Find out more HERE.

Comments (233)

1 2 3 … 6
  • grayling646
    Posted on August 21, 2012 at 9:19pm

    I read his entire article/blog and, ummmmm…he’s smarter than me.

    Report this comment

    grayling646  
    • VoteBushIn12
      Posted on August 22, 2012 at 1:46am

      Who isn’t

      Report this comment

      VoteBushIn12  
    • lukerw
      Posted on August 22, 2012 at 3:34am

      I had lost faith that there were no Conservative Intellectuals left in the World… until Now!

      Report this comment

      lukerw  
    • Christianmyson
      Posted on August 22, 2012 at 4:52am

      votebushin2012 thats who

      Report this comment

      Christianmyson  
    • RepubliCorp
      Posted on August 22, 2012 at 7:17am

      LUKERW Same here. Maybe the Obama whitewash of the facts is getting hard to stomach. At what point does defending a fool like Obama become idiocy?

      Report this comment

      RepubliCorp  
    • lefty5005
      Posted on August 22, 2012 at 7:53am

      To VOTEBUSHIN12

      You…

      Report this comment

      lefty5005  
    • michael48
      Posted on August 22, 2012 at 2:59pm

      vote12…is dating harry peid …again…from an unknown, peer review, illegal alien…reliable source , of course…

      Report this comment

      michael48  
    • jdubya62
      Posted on August 22, 2012 at 3:40pm

      “This professor that willfully published this article full of lies should have his status as a professor reexamined and his lessons closely observed. If he will lie to the public, he will lie to his students.”

      All Lib professors lie to spread the progressive agenda. Ferguson is on the right track, because the libs are going nuts. I thought Beckel was going to have a baby the other night…he was all red faced and spitting…lol. It’s a hoot to watch.

      Report this comment

      jdubya62  
  • Nanaswords
    Posted on August 21, 2012 at 8:45pm

    Many of us in this Nation have the same attitude…not only with Pres. O. but also all the rest of the rebels/progressives in our government !!! The Sleeping Dog…is Now…Very Much AWAKE…In this nation !!! We are on WATCH and we are Not to be Toyed With anymore !!!Freedom for our nation did Not come without MUCH COST!!! SO…we want them to know that this old phrase goes for ALL of them…Don’t Let The Door Hit You In The A.. when you leave !!!!!!!!

    Report this comment

    Nanaswords  
    • Freedombeliever
      Posted on August 21, 2012 at 10:00pm

      AMEN to that! And I love love love Niall Ferguson!!! Not sure of NW’s angle on making his the cover article. I hope it’s in desperation for readership. I know they started sending me the mag out of the blue – then tried to bill me – I wrote back “I didn’t order this and please cancel – I am not on “your side”…” And they still send me my weekly issue LOL!

      Report this comment

      Freedombeliever  
    • db321
      Posted on August 21, 2012 at 10:31pm

      Nana – love it – your are dead on!

      I went to a school event to watch my Brothers son perform. The School organizers at the beginning of the event had a moment of Silence instead of the Pledge and a prayer. Nana, I’m like you – I almost got kicked out because I said “Moment of Silences” – “I’m tired of being Silent” – I Love America and I Love God. I was loud enough for many to hear, my only regret is that I did not yell it at the top of my lungs.

      Next time I have the opportunity, I promise I am going to yell it so loud, it will blow Satan’s wig off. I am not going to be “Silenced” any longer.

      Report this comment

      db321  
    • BaltimoreJoe
      Posted on August 21, 2012 at 10:31pm

      I was shocked myself when I saw that cover. I don’t know if they are trying out for a Chick Fil-A rout or maybe just moving in the direction their readers want. I would love a regular mag to peruse through but it’s got to AT LEAST present a balanced set of articles. If they move and stay to the right I’ll subscribe.

      Report this comment

      BaltimoreJoe  
    • eagledown
      Posted on August 22, 2012 at 12:34am

      Right on Nana.

      I feel like the Charlton Heston Heston scene, on the beach in Planet of the Apes.

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsbYx6hevoQ

      Report this comment

      eagledown  
    • Bluebonnet
      Posted on August 22, 2012 at 10:38am

      Just plain common sense. I loved the News Week article. First time I’ve read that rag in years. In fact the only time I’ve ever read it was at Dr/Dentist office while waiting. I love this Niall Ferguson and what he stands for.
      Paul Krugman is a typical hate filled liberal and needs to be reamed out. He’s one of these classic idiots who has a higher opinion of himself, while others only see him as an idiot, period. His picture scares me, he even looks evil, like looking into the eyes of satan. scary

      Report this comment

      Bluebonnet  
  • thejackal
    Posted on August 21, 2012 at 8:37pm

    I’m not gay, but I love this guy!

    Report this comment

    thejackal  
    • DarkJello
      Posted on August 22, 2012 at 3:24am

      I have watched him blast folks on MSNBC, as well as have a groovy discussion with Charlie Rose. He lifts the proverbial rock from liberal positions, and lets the light of day vaporize them like the weevil vampires that they are. It is most amusing to watch logic win yet again. Trust me, they be afeared!

      Report this comment

      DarkJello  
  • RLTW
    Posted on August 21, 2012 at 8:30pm

    What you find when you read Niall’s response is ACA cost will in the end completely control the American people (Reagan said the same back in the sixties) this whole thing was by Marxist design, I will not comply, every American should be marching on the WH at this point. I will vote for R&R but I will also hold their feet to the fire.

    Report this comment

    RLTW  
    • Sharlene
      Posted on August 21, 2012 at 10:32pm

      As we all should. You get elected to serve the best interests of the LEGAL CITIZENS of this country, not your own best interests.

      You get elected to follow the constitution as written by the Founding Fathers, not your idea of revising the constitution.

      In short DO THE RIGHT THING !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      Report this comment

      Sharlene  
    • NoUseForLogic
      Posted on August 21, 2012 at 10:37pm

      LOL. Good. Don’t comply. Snub the black man. It’s written in the bill that there is zero penalty from the IRS for not paying the fee for not purchasing health insurance.

      You can just reap the dozens upon dozens of other benefits that will be included in your current plan.

      Report this comment

      NoUseForLogic  
    • RLTW
      Posted on August 21, 2012 at 11:39pm

      Nouseforilogic

      Wrong, I’m retired military and we’re already under attack by your lord and savior the dear leader Obama. I’m currently jumping through hoops just to keep benefits that were promised to me when dear leader was smoking pot in high school.

      But don’t fret I only served my country for 24 years based on a lie because your too lazy to work for yourself.

      Report this comment

      RLTW  
    • NoUseForLogic
      Posted on August 22, 2012 at 12:10am

      RLTW, maybe if I didn’t already know that you are filled with completely wrong information I would care what you have to say.

      But, it’s true, there is zero penalty for not paying the $100 per year fine if you do not purchase health insurance. Fact. Wtitten in the law.

      By the time the truth about the Affordable Health Care Act finally hits your brain and current price-gouging is illegal you may be dead anyway due to your blind hate-filled soul.

      Report this comment

      NoUseForLogic  
    • DrKev
      Posted on August 22, 2012 at 12:24am

      hey nose4lojique one doesn’t have to snub a person because of his/her skin color. its policy n character that matters. big gov’t lies and deception are NOT proper policies and character traits

      Report this comment

      DrKev  
    • Kevin The Elder
      Posted on August 22, 2012 at 5:32am

      @RLTW. I repeat myself here. I agree with you. But if we want to take our country back, I feel that the day after R&R win the election, Romney should be presented with a ‘request’ (call it a white paper, or whatever) from those Washington pols currently being labeled as Tea Party people. The paper should list the many things that we expect from this newly elected president, with ‘milestone dates’. If, say, he doesn’t meet certain conditions, such as set into motion the process for eliminating certain agencies, regulations, etc., by the end of the first six months of office, then the process for creating a new party will begin. And yes, call it the Tea Party! If R&R stay the GOP route of the Bushes, we are doomed as that will only be a slowing down of everything that is infuriating us.

      Report this comment

      Kevin The Elder  
    • Want our country back
      Posted on August 22, 2012 at 10:00am

      @Kevin the Elder, I might be mistaken but I think that Freedom Works has already presented a 12 point TO DO list. The RNC accepted 11 of 12, & rejected to eliminate the board of education. America will survive with a Romney/Ryan administration, if we actually get to have a legitimate election.

      Freightening article in The American Thinker called ‘By any Means Possible’.

      Report this comment

      Want our country back  
    • RLTW
      Posted on August 22, 2012 at 10:26am

      Nouseforilogic

      I’m somehow hate filled because I worked for 30yrs to earn what you believe you deserve for free?
      Sounds like you’re a lazy hate filled guttersnipe.

      Report this comment

      RLTW  
    • Mil Mom
      Posted on August 22, 2012 at 3:00pm

      @RLTW
      Posted on August 21, 2012 at 11:39pm

      Nouseforilogic

      Wrong, I’m retired military and we’re already under attack by your lord and savior the dear leader Obama. I’m currently jumping through hoops just to keep benefits that were promised to me when dear leader was smoking pot in high school.

      But don’t fret I only served my country for 24 years based on a lie because your too lazy to work for yourself
      ***
      Thank you for those years of service. I’m currently updating my skills to get back to work when the economy picks up once it’s turned loose from b o ‘s boot on the throat! Can’t handle just sitting around collecting money because there are no jobs!

      Report this comment

      Mil Mom  
    • jdubya62
      Posted on August 22, 2012 at 3:48pm

      RLTW:

      Thank you for your service to our country!!

      Report this comment

      jdubya62  
  • ibanrfknm
    Posted on August 21, 2012 at 8:30pm

    Nice; someone who can bite back.

    Report this comment

    ibanrfknm  
    • DOra Glasberg
      Posted on August 22, 2012 at 12:38am

      By ignoring facts and statistics.
      That’s SOOOOOOOOOOO Republican.

      Report this comment

      DOra Glasberg  
    • TADTAD
      Posted on August 22, 2012 at 12:59am

      There are three kinds of lies, Dora; a lie, a damned lie, and a STATISTIC. Wake up there, you.

      Report this comment

      TADTAD  
    • kryptonite
      Posted on August 22, 2012 at 3:19am

      Hey, DORA who wants to be Norma,
      Judging by that Newsweek cover photo, Obambi fancies himself to be Marilyn Monroe too. Ooh! Aah! First Hollyqueer president. Who taught you to pose for the camera, Barry?

      BAH! Hit the road, pukeface.

      Report this comment

      kryptonite  
    • Duchylivin
      Posted on August 22, 2012 at 6:51am

      @Dora. What facts and statistics have been ignored?

      Report this comment

      Duchylivin  
    • texastommy
      Posted on August 22, 2012 at 8:21am

      When I was a boy, some 55 years ago, my father used to have a generic name for those who were incredibly stupid. He called them Dumb Doras.

      Now I know why.

      Report this comment

      texastommy  
    • matinva
      Posted on August 22, 2012 at 8:22am

      @ Dora

      You mean the 15% unemployment and 24 million out of work statistics? Or the $3.65/gal. for gas statistic (it was $1.85 when Oblahblah took office). Or how about the 1.5% GDP growth statistic? Oh, maybe you’re referring to the 46 million on food stamps and the highest poverty rate in history statistic. Gosh, Dora, there are just so many statistics this clown has sent to the moon!! Which one were YOU referring to?

      Report this comment

      matinva  
  • Steverino
    Posted on August 21, 2012 at 8:29pm

    The last paragraph of Ferguson’s rebuttal in TheDB demonstrates his intellect, as well as his grasp of the “Obama is the Messiah” club. A very nice piece, Mr. Ferguson.
    Steve

    Report this comment

    Steverino  
  • ktmrider1
    Posted on August 21, 2012 at 8:21pm

    how dare you tarnish the name of king borack hussein obama, beloved keeper of the left wing loon movement. you shall be banished to obscurity forever more. news week as well, shall be never more OFF! WITH THEIR HEADS!

    Report this comment

    ktmrider1  
  • mtnhimike
    Posted on August 21, 2012 at 8:13pm

    Maybe there will be room for him in the Romney Adminstration.

    Report this comment

    mtnhimike  
  • shagstar
    Posted on August 21, 2012 at 7:58pm

    he is not alone,,just remember how many other people it takes to authorize the content and cover placement! maybe all those responsible for getting this rag out will go to work with Drudge or,Blaze and bring all their insider secrets with them? sigh,,one can hope

    Report this comment

    shagstar  
    • MittensKittens
      Posted on August 21, 2012 at 8:11pm

      When the ratings are down and money starts whispering in the ears of those that feel they may be without a job…well, maybe we have a chance in a capitalist society…I dare everyone that reads this to shut off the “boob” tube and send a message to the media…We’re done and so are you unless you decide to be objective and report the truth.

      Report this comment

      MittensKittens  
  • nobull14
    Posted on August 21, 2012 at 7:57pm

    He is getting a taste of what the lame liberal put out ?

    Report this comment

    nobull14  
  • MODEL82A1
    Posted on August 21, 2012 at 7:51pm

    Something doesn’t pass the Smell Test here.

    Report this comment

    MODEL82A1  
    • NeoFan
      Posted on August 22, 2012 at 12:15am

      I’m with you 82. The only thing I will use NewsWeak for is bird cage liner.

      Report this comment

      NeoFan  
    • radicalRWer
      Posted on August 22, 2012 at 10:17am

      NEO – hope you are getting your copies from the restroom of your dentist’s office and not a subscriber!

      Report this comment

      radicalRWer  
    • Bluebonnet
      Posted on August 22, 2012 at 10:56am

      I’d like to buy this issue of Newsweek, and if we all do, we can prove to Newsweek that they can sell more magazines with a conservative slant rather than the trash they’ve been putting out for years.
      I LOVE Niall Ferguson and approve of his article. R & R and NO MO BO

      Report this comment

      Bluebonnet  
    • 4095js
      Posted on August 22, 2012 at 3:03pm

      Well, it was reported, think on FOX News, before this cover that NW was heading to shutdown, lack of sales and add’s. The American version of a Marxist will use OUR system, bad as it is for them, when they are hurting financially. They went along with this to up sales…….get enough …. and the old NW will be back…….but not for long. Nothing new really, to sell anymore.

      Report this comment

      4095js  
  • JoeInMaine
    Posted on August 21, 2012 at 7:51pm

    Conservatives pushing back is a bit easier now that the Obama race card has been declined.

    Report this comment

    JoeInMaine  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on August 21, 2012 at 7:50pm

    Thus is proven the old saying:

    Courage in a liberal is incredibly rare, when its discovered the liberal is no longer there…they become a conservative.

    Report this comment

    Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
  • JustJP
    Posted on August 21, 2012 at 7:38pm

    Niall Ferguson, you ROCK!

    Report this comment

    JustJP  
    • RLTW
      Posted on August 21, 2012 at 7:59pm

      Niall Ferguson is one of the most brilliant men on this planet, what he did to Mika and morning Joe was awesome, and this is just pure troof.

      Report this comment

      RLTW  
  • Platonician
    Posted on August 21, 2012 at 7:38pm

    Kudos to Mr. Ferguson. He has not only penned the definitive epitaph of Obama’s presidency but also unmasked the biased and dogmatic hypocrisy of the most twisted members of academia.

    Report this comment

    Platonician  
  • BOblows
    Posted on August 21, 2012 at 7:35pm

    I respected Mr. Ferguson for having the stones to write the truth…..I love this guy for dishing a heaping helping of smack to the predictable turds critizing his article. More conservatives need to learn from Mr. Ferguson and respond aggressively to the whining liberal Obama enablers on the left. Niall’s response was hilarious and a thing of beauty!

    Report this comment

    BOblows  
  • progressiveslayer
    Posted on August 21, 2012 at 7:32pm

    DeLong with his fire his ass now comment is the classic response to speech they dislike,so much for free speech eh? Libs are rotten to the core that’s for sure.

    Report this comment

    progressiveslayer  
  • v15
    Posted on August 21, 2012 at 7:31pm

    Ferguson threw a rock at a hornets’ nest but looks like he is able to defend himself quite well.

    Report this comment

    v15  
  • DetritusScreener
    Posted on August 21, 2012 at 7:31pm

    Huh, I think I’ll buy a ‘Newsweek’! That doesn’t happen very often.

    Report this comment

    DetritusScreener  
    • SingerGuy
      Posted on August 22, 2012 at 2:06pm

      Don’t do it. They are close to going under. You’ll only buy them time. :-)

      Report this comment

      SingerGuy  
  • No Grass
    Posted on August 21, 2012 at 7:29pm

    You gotta love this Brit!

    Check out his thought provoking book, Colossus. It is about what our U.S Purpose is after WWI. It seems the world recognizes that the U.S. is “responsible” to maintain the world order in support of the Western Civilization. He didn’t mention how the Socialist have the reigns and control the team. He does worry about driving the team off the cliff though.

    Report this comment

    No Grass  
    • fractalman
      Posted on August 21, 2012 at 8:58pm

      Read his book, The Ascent of Money, to learn about the history of finance and how we’ve all come to live the way we live, monetarily speaking. Fascinating. Ferguson is a top-notch historian primarily. His blogs are very informative as well. Way to go, Prof. Ferguson!

      Report this comment

      fractalman  
    • DOra Glasberg
      Posted on August 22, 2012 at 12:37am

      So now WE ARE the policeman of the world?
      What twaddle.

      Report this comment

      DOra Glasberg  
  • neiman1
    Posted on August 21, 2012 at 7:28pm

    The left is apoplectic over this cover of Newsweek. The hate traitors that actual begin to question the agreed upon political correctness put out at the last Party Gathering.

    Report this comment

    neiman1  
  • Stelex
    Posted on August 21, 2012 at 7:26pm

    Nothing he said was racist…..this is probably racist……Obammy, bammy………

    Report this comment

    Stelex  
  • Texan4ever
    Posted on August 21, 2012 at 7:25pm

    They can sure dish it out, can’t they? When the tables are turned, they turn into braying donkeys. Hilarious.

    Report this comment

    Texan4ever  
  • Quack Addict
    Posted on August 21, 2012 at 7:21pm

    Libs are super thin skinned and terrible trash talkers. Give em hell Niall!

    Report this comment

    Quack Addict  
    • pschlentz
      Posted on August 21, 2012 at 7:53pm

      @Quack Addict
      I agree, I’ve never seen anything like it! They are bullies from conception. They are emotional turds and base nothing on the truth. They remind me of a flock of cackling hens.
      He gave them hell and they deserved that and more. Stand up Conservatives, you’re Right (Correct)! Hit ‘em hard and hit them where it counts. Pile on them like they pile on us. The corrupt social twits!
      Niall is America’s Superman! Thank you Sir!!

      Report this comment

      pschlentz  
    • kaydeebeau
      Posted on August 21, 2012 at 8:08pm

      All we have to remember is what happened to the school yard bullies when someone stood up to them and challenged them. Just like the typical leftist, they slithered off. Fear not…..stand up and confront the leftist

      Report this comment

      kaydeebeau  
  • mmmmarilyn
    Posted on August 21, 2012 at 7:18pm

    This article makes no sense.
    The Obama article was not factual.
    Why the silly snark?

    Report this comment

    mmmmarilyn  
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