Glenn Beck & Eliot Spitzer to Face Off in Verbal ‘Boxing Match’ on DISH Network
With the launch of TheBlazeTV on DISH Network the satellite television provider announced an upcoming “War of the Words” face-off between Glenn Beck and Current TV host Eliot Spitzer to discuss the first presidential debate in Denver, Oct. 2. Providing new and existing viewers with a taste of whats in store, on Thursday DISH hosted the two media personalities at a New York event that was staged as a weigh-in before a verbal “boxing match.” Introduced by DISH Chief Executive Officer Joe Clayton, Spitzer and Beck delivered a taste of what’s to come and insight into their personal ideologies.
Beck opened his round with a robust discussion on American innovation and entrepreneurship, explaining that in today’s society there is a clear delineation between those who recognize the government and those who recognize the individual.
Proving to be a pioneer in new multi-media, Beck explained that the future is indeed online, but that there is a contingent of the viewing public who still prefer accessing their programs via more traditional television. To this end, Beck’s goal is to partner with DISH and increase viewers’ access to the host of programs offered on TheBlazeTV.
With TheBlazeTV channel now airing alongside MSNBC and even Current TV, Beck believes that DISH is fast-becoming a go-to source for political and social news, analysis and commentary.
In terms of how TheBlazeTV will be received by viewers in relation to the other networks on air, Beck said, “let the consumers decide” and “let freedom ring.”
For his round, Spitzer essentially did not disagree with any of Beck’s points, but asserted that CurrentTV is a network dedicated to open dialogue and honest conversation based on facts and figures.
“With a presidential contest that appears to be up for grabs, DISH is proud to present content that delivers news and a full spectrum of opinion to give our viewers the perspective they need to make informed choices,” said Clayton.
“We are excited that TheBlaze is coming to television 24/7 starting exclusively with DISH,” said Beck in an official press release prior to Thursday’s preview event. “We look forward to giving DISH subscribers and viewers across the country quality programming and engaging content filled with the facts and stories they care about most.”
“As the election draws closer, it’s important for Americans to have access to programming that keeps them informed of the political topics of today. The conversation with Glenn will be exciting and something I am looking forward to,” said Spitzer in a statement.
TheBlaze is included in DISH’s America’s Top 250 package on channel 212 and will be offered as a free preview until Sept. 26; Current TV is included in America’s Top 200 package; both can be purchased a la carte for $5 per month starting later this month.
“War of the Words” will be televised in front of a live audience Oct. 2, the eve of the first presidential debate in Denver.
Benghazi, IRS, AP...What's next? Only TheBlaze TV offers the truth from Glenn Beck, Andrew Wilkow, and Real News from TheBlaze. Get instant access and a free trial here.

















































































































Comments (83)
UnreconstructedLibertarian
Posted on September 13, 2012 at 8:53pmIt is very uncharacteristic for Glenn to go “man to man” this way, as in face to face. Its usually with the vast airwaves between whatever he’s confrontationally addressing and himself. All I’ve ever seen Glenn deal with in his own actual airspace are folk who he actually agrees with, or support his beliefs in some capacity.
Never have I seen him in audience with somebody so diametricly opposed to ANY of his positions before.
Excellent! I hope to see more of this, on many different topics! Preaching to the choir only goes so far.
Best wishes Glenn – although I’m a little miffed my “Plus” online subscription won’t give me the chance to see this “boxing” match. You might want to sweeten the Online deal for us “subscribers” somehow, maybe some extra programming and/or face to face debates not available on Dish? Yeah, that would be GREAT!
I’ll write GBTV a check for 10K today – if they’ll lock Barton and Schweikart in a room with Tom E. Woods and Thomas DiLorenzo for 2 un-edited hours with hot mics and 5 cameras – broadcast on TheBlazeTV. Put your favorite picture of Lincoln between them – and let’s see what happens?
How many of you would like to see Nick Gillespie and Santorum go a few rounds? Iron out that whole “Libertarian Purge” thing?
The whole “open debate” thing could be quite entertaining and certainly enlightening for many of us.
The truth has no agenda, right?
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UnreconstructedLibertarian
Posted on September 13, 2012 at 9:21pmHow many of you would like to see this lineup in the same room with hot mics and 5 cameras?
C.L Bryant, H.K. Edgerton, Benjamin Jealous, and James David Manning.
Could you imagine how enlightening and entertaining that would be? What would we actually learn from that dialogue?
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jhaydeng
Posted on September 13, 2012 at 9:24pmHey, can I borrow 10K? Just saying!
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soybomb315_II
Posted on September 13, 2012 at 9:33pm@UnreconstructedLibertarian
I was thinking the same thing. Beck is not a good debator – he is more of an ideas guy. Beck surrounds himself (like his radio show) with people who think exactly like he does. Also, Glenn does not take many calls on his radio show.
I’m sure he will do this thing with Spitz and get offended at some comment and then spend weeks talking about it
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The-Monk
Posted on September 13, 2012 at 10:47pmHi Soybom315,
Actually, Stu is the one that thinks differently than Glenn and questions his….. ideas.
Also, I know for a fact that the radio program phone lines are tied up with multiple crank calls from the MSM, Media Matters and the like and Glenn can’t get very many “real” calls through because of that. Just try to call in (888-727-beck) and see if you can get through. I can’t.
Now, I know you are a good person and you’re really pissed off about Dr. Paul not winning the RNC. I also know, because I’m not stupid, that you don’t want to vote for Gary Johnson and you really don’t want to go through another 4 years of Obama. Neither do I. But, your posts the last week have been very unlike you; too much anger and hostility. I only say this because I’ve enjoyed debating you in the past. There’s no debate left in you and I find that very sad.
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soybomb315_II
Posted on September 13, 2012 at 10:54pmhaha – seems like the same material to me. maybe you have gone soft on us. Actually these last couple weeks I have been trying to hold back fire when your ilk hurl the insults. check the tape
I am pretty confident on this Beck/Spitzer prediction
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ShyLow
Posted on September 13, 2012 at 10:58pmWhen it comes to healthcare, why couldn’t well funded progressives start their own health insurance companies and make them non-greedy and drop coverage to those that need it…Why does Elliot favor Robbing Peter to Pay Paul, and throw hurdles into the free-market system…Isn’t progresivism just a Den of Thieves? If a job is a right, can I demand I work in the adult entertainment industry and choose the girls I want to “work” with? Ask Elliot if he would like to try to start his own automobile company and compete against the government that has the E.P.A. and I.R.S…Ask Elliot if soda-pop is more risky then hookers
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Shiroi Raion
Posted on September 13, 2012 at 11:20pmIf the debate goes like it does on Fox, Glenn argues our position, then Progressive lies, shouts over, filibusters, changes the subject, etc.. Glenn has plenty of experience arguing with Progressives He just hasn’t done it in a while. If I had my own station, I would prefer just speaking the truth rather than arguing too. Debating gets old and when the other side just uses tricks, it makes people angry. I get angry listening to Liberal liars like Tamara Holder and Alan Colmes all the time. Still, I expect this will be entertaining. It’s been quite a while. I look forward to this.
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UnreconstructedLibertarian
Posted on September 13, 2012 at 11:21pmBeck isn’t a good debater, no. But, he really hasn’t given himself the chance to debate much – as he keeps himself immersed in an echo chamber nearly 24/7 – 365.
However, this is a good matchup – because Spitzer isn’t much either. On current topics and political idealogical expression, particularly with the limit of time involved – Beck’s gonna do fine.
Actually, its going to be more telling about Beck how he behaves afterward. If he builds off victories and re-evaluates losses honestly – he’s gonna get bigger in my eyes. If he does the usual, immerse himself in his echo chamber and deflect his losses with morality attacks (which Spitzer is ripe for) with the help of his circus of sychophants – I’m gonna be reminded of what I do not admire about the man.
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The-Monk
Posted on September 13, 2012 at 11:49pmHey Soybom315,
“Actually these last couple weeks I have been trying to hold back fire when your ilk hurl the insults. check the tape”
“My ilk”??? Check the tapes yourself. I’ve been nicer to you than most anyone else. Show me some insults I’ve hurled at you. I’ve really enjoyed debating and discussing things with every Dr. Paul supporter except BWS. And, if you haven’t noticed, I always refer to Dr. Paul as “Dr. Paul” and not “RP” or Ron” or “Paul” and stopped using the “Paulbot” word a very long time ago. I show you, Dr. Paul and Dr. Paul supporters respect and you continue to group me in with others?
Maybe I was wrong about you? I hope not. I still see the goodness in you.
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UnreconstructedLibertarian
Posted on September 13, 2012 at 11:55pmThe-Monk,
I’ve tried to call Glenn’s radio show, numerous times. I almost got through once, passed two screenings and was called back to speak to Glenn. The show was on the Constitution. Glenn made a big deal about the CSA Constitution.
The young man who callled me back was all excited and wanted me to read the “Commerce Clause” to him again. I still remember what he said, “man, they really laid it out plainly, didn’t they? I wonder why nobody talks about that?” I replied, “Because this is in the CSA constitution, not the USA”. “Oh, huh, I did not know that”, was what I heard. Immediately I realized this fella had not read the US Constitution nor the CSA Constitution – but was Glenn’s last defense on screening calls.
“Where can I read this?”, the young man asked. I gave him a website where he could read the two side by side. We sat there a while, I heard him murmering to somebody close by. “We’re sorry, we can’t let you speak with Glenn, but I will read this for myself further. Thanks for tuning in to the radio show”. Click.
That’s my personal experiance on debating with Glenn. If the evidence doesn’t support his echo-chamber view but is thought provoking, he declines. He’s rarely in a position of defense, he makes sure of that.
Spitzer is pretty safe, because they’ll likely stick to the here-and-now. History and Libertarianism is where Glenn skids off the rails, badly.
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soybomb315_II
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 12:26am@the-monk
Yes, your ilk. I did not say, “you”. I’m talking about your long lost cousins….the ones who call us traitors, Obama supporters, liberals, etc. You know who i am talking about. The people who dont like Romney but are still going to vote for him – and then call us names because we feel the same way except we wont vote for him.
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RJJinGadsden
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 12:33amHi MONK, I guess SOYBOMB is referring to me, and maybe a few others. Actually, I should lay off, I really do like and respect him more than he may know. I’ve always found until very recently that I agree with him about as often as I disagree. And, usually he has been amiable especially when compared to to Angry, and Indy and a few others.
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The-Monk
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 12:42amHi Soybom315,
“Yes, your ilk. I did not say, “you”.”
Sorry but, I don’t see the difference between saying, “Your ilk” and “you”. : (
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The-Monk
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 12:50amHi RJJ,
Yeah, you might understand that other message I sent you earlier a bit better.
Shakespeare might have put it this way…..
“Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him, Horatio, a fellow of infinite
jest, of most excellent fancy. He hath bore me on his back a
thousand times, and now how abhorr’d in my imagination it is!
My gorge rises at it.”
So sad to watch the mental breakdown of a once proud person…..
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soybomb315_II
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 12:52amits all good
i do grad school work at night so you are getting the short end
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RJJinGadsden
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 1:02amHi MONK, Good analogy. I guess that it is the sign of the times. I remember ’08 and how I felt then too. Its a matter of dealing with the stress that we and others put on ourselves. The results can be telling. I know that I have told you of what I just have to do sometimes. But, it has never been the result of a run in with SOY.
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The-Monk
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 1:14am@UnreconstructedLibertarian
Thank you replying. Which Constitution do you believe in? CSA or USA? I’m asking just for reference.
I know the young lad you spoke with. He has a very hard job screening calls. If you or I had to do that job we’d most likely go mad. Imagine all the weirdo’s that call every day, 5 days a week, 4 hours a day. I’m not surprised that you overwhelmed him with data. You sound like a very knowledgeable person.
Just put yourself into his shoes for a moment or two. He’s a good lad doing a very hard job and he’s the only call screener they have. Imagine taking 100′s of calls with only a few minutes or seconds to decide what to do. Try doing research on one computer while taking so many other calls from the MSM, Media Matters jerks trying to get on the radio program just to say some obnoxious words for a few brief seconds.
I hope you understand and feel some gratefulness that Glenn has provided us The Blaze to say most anything that we want to. Most news stations do not give us so much access to free speech with such a large audience.
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pamela kay
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 3:07amI will definitely be watching this. I am thrilled that Beck is now on Dish!
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UnreconstructedLibertarian
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 6:57amThe-Monk,
I didn’t say anything derogatory about the young man, I fully understand his situation. I’ve often thought about him and our brief conversation, hoping that if he didn’t realize what the two constitutions actually said – he does now.
Which one do I believe in? Both. All the slavery-related language in each, was actually law on both sides of the Mason-Dixon. Fully enforced in the Union just as it was in Dixie. Sad fact. If one looks at the Constitutions and handle them like a mathematical equasion, cancelling whats the same on both sides (slavery) – we’re left with the real differences. Those differences are stark, and have serious application in our own time. I don’t have much time this morning, but I’ll give you the link the young man was given – I’ll be back later this afternoon to see what you’ve learned.
http://www.filibustercartoons.com/CSA.htm
The author of that page is no fan of the CSA – but his comments on the far right are as honest as can be found. I don’t agree with all his conclusions, but agree with more than I disagree. Its all food for thought. I think you’ll find the parts of the CSA version that have pertinence in our own time. Like a restriction on “recess appointments” by the President? Keep digging in there.
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Wildblue3
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 9:24amMate, Remember on his Fox show, he had several people from Planned Parenthood and other groups that opposed him on. He hasn’t done that since he started his own channel because the opposing forces reacted what they were getting involved in.
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nueces
Posted on September 13, 2012 at 8:52pmWhile I’m here: Please please please number the comments like PJ media does. It makes it so much easier to get back to your place and carry on a conversation. This program you have now really sux.
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ShyLow
Posted on September 13, 2012 at 11:00pmPlease get rid of your pop-ups and the newsletter spam
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iwillnotbequiet
Posted on September 13, 2012 at 8:47pmWell that’s wonderful for those with dish….will I get to watch this war of words on the internet? I want to see Glenn make Idot Spit too. I’m with Directv too and bet they want to wait to see how well Blaze does before they jump in….They may lose me..but for now I’m ok with my internet. As long as I can get my Glenn fix I’ll be fine… We need his voice to be everywhere as time is short so let everyone know where they can check him out.
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nueces
Posted on September 13, 2012 at 8:47pmOn another note. Take care of yourself Glen. Delegate. Don’t make yourself sick or crazy. Ya hear me?
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oohisis
Posted on September 13, 2012 at 8:42pmI do not have the dish nor direct TV..I am in comcast land. However..I love love love my GBTV..I have it on my phone and my ipad and I can take it with me everywhere..if I am in a waiting room I put on Glenn or stu and pat and enjoy..Lord knows you can be waiting forever in a doc’s office..soon to be hours I am sure. Would never give it up..even if he goes to Comcast. I must admit I am considering the possiblitiy of going to the dish..just don’t know if it is reliable.
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nueces
Posted on September 13, 2012 at 8:45pmIt is very very reliable. Nearly 20 years now with dish. It only goes out during very heavy thunderstorms and you really ought to unplug your set during those anyway.
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osbo45
Posted on September 13, 2012 at 9:04pmDIsh is the best. If you were to get a Dish DVR with a sling adapter you could record any shows on any channel and then watch them when you want on your tv, computer, phone, or tablet anywhere in the world (with fast enough internet). They have awesome technology.
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Bernice Durdan-Rowland
Posted on September 13, 2012 at 8:41pmGlenn – why pick Spitzer – he is way below your intelligence – thats okay, I know you will make him look like an Amateur!!!!!!
By the way, Congratulations on your new project, getting on Dish !!! You’ve made a lot of viewers happy, very happy !!!! I’ve spread the word far and wide to my friends and neighbors !!!!!!
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nueces
Posted on September 13, 2012 at 8:40pmNOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! We get more of this crap than we can stand on FOX. We don’t need you debating with fools. I’ll switch the channel. You will not be making me and thousands of others happy. Liberals make us ill. Why would you torture us?
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youshuthehellup
Posted on September 13, 2012 at 10:29pmAgree 100% !!!!
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Angel_light
Posted on September 13, 2012 at 10:38pmI think it would be fun to watch Glenn set a liberal up in smoke with only his shoes left behind…you know he’s going to win any argument with a liberal. I’m gonna make popcorn…mwahahahahaha….
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The-Monk
Posted on September 13, 2012 at 8:39pmGlenn is growing so fast since he left Fox News that he’s infiltrating everything.
Keep getting the word out there Glenn and crew. : )
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JACKTHETOAD
Posted on September 13, 2012 at 8:52pmWhy only verbal, Glenn? Start doin’ some pushups an’ stuff. Make it quick and painless.
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TJexcite
Posted on September 13, 2012 at 8:38pmI really hope they don’ t do stuff on DISH that one can not get on-line. Then hear about it on the radio on how great it was and then the time it will repeat on DISH only. Good that they should infiltrate, but not to forget the real base of subscribers along for the ride.
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....Death is not the worst of evils.
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 8:32amThis event is a way for Dish Network to promote their lineup of political channels including The Blaze. It is not being broadcast on The Blaze or Current TV, it will be on Dish Channel 102 and also on the Dish Facebook page. This is not an event that is being produced by Glenn or the Blaze team. This is not some exclusive content on the Blaze Dish Channel, it is on a separate channel run by Dish Network.
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oohisis
Posted on September 13, 2012 at 8:37pmwhy….
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honor007
Posted on September 13, 2012 at 8:36pmwas Spitzer stoned when he agreed to this?
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GoodStuff
Posted on September 13, 2012 at 8:31pmWhy legitimize a clown like Spitzer??
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Tankertony
Posted on September 13, 2012 at 11:21pmExactly. Why would Glenn stoop to this level? Mr. Spitz should be shunned by all.
If he debated someone with a hint of respectability, I’d might be interested.
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bitterclinger
Posted on September 13, 2012 at 8:30pmIf you’ve never seen Glenn’s 5 p.m. show, you don’t know what you’re missing. Smart, funny, high-caliber guests, amazing research. It’s the only thing “on TV” worth watching. Can’t recommend it enough. I’ve subscribed since Day 1 and can’t name a show topic I wasn’t interested in.
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LibertyGoddess
Posted on September 13, 2012 at 8:28pmNot even I would want to come up against Glenn in a debate….he knows his stuff. He also has a way of breaking it down so even the left can’t deny the truth of it. Go Glenn! I just marked my calendar!!
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WeveAlreadyWon
Posted on September 13, 2012 at 8:22pmLoe you Glenn, have all of your books and have listened to you from your first day in Tampa. I flew to Dallas for Restoring love as well. I can tell you that I’m NOT happy with this move because I don’t Have dISH and will never get DISH. I have to watch your show on my Laptop already and now you want me to pay for the my GBTV Max Upgraded subscription and Pay more for DISH to see eventsl like this??? This should be available to all upgraded members also on GBTV.
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mjolene
Posted on September 13, 2012 at 8:45pmI agree with you. I have also been a subscriber since the beginning. I have been to DC and Dallas and have purchased almost all of Glenn’s books. I think he is brilliant and adorable and he has prompted me to change my life. I really do not like this move to wallow in the mud with the mainstream media though. Elliot Spitzer? Wow.
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buddyabbey
Posted on September 13, 2012 at 8:19pm@ king ditto!!!
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sparkyrules
Posted on September 13, 2012 at 8:17pmProving to be a pioneer in new multi-media,Glenn Beck is a genius.I hope Dish Network knows that he may well be their BOSS,someday.
The Blaze TV is outstanding television and Glenn Beck and crew knows how to deliver!I’ve never regretted the day I subscribed to GBTV,albeit the new Blaze TV.
I have no doubt that Beck will hurt Elliot Spitzer’s feelings with the Truth of the matter.Can’t wait to watch.
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Glenn Jericho
Posted on September 13, 2012 at 8:12pmI believe DISH also carries DemocracyNow! network. I hate that channel’s guts, but it’s good to see DISH supporting independent channels like CurrentTV, DemocracyNow!, and TheBlaze, even if two of the three are filled with commies.
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gyro
Posted on September 13, 2012 at 8:11pmYou cant debate some one who lies cheets and has no morals
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soybomb315_II
Posted on September 13, 2012 at 8:07pmI seem to remember Glenn/Pat/Stu making fun of Current TV with all that Keith Olbermann stuff and whatnot…..Now Glenn is getting in bed with them?
Is this hypocrisy, or is the online thing not working out like they thought it would?
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piper60
Posted on September 13, 2012 at 8:32pmHe’s not getting in bed with them, he’s debating with one of their hosts. You cannot persuade people that you are right on any subject without talking to them.
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grimmster
Posted on September 13, 2012 at 8:33pm@soysauce_…..aka encinom.
I know your memory is a bit clouded from all the meth, but they mad fun of olberurmom as i recall,but, if you have proof to the contrary,please post it……
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BenInNY
Posted on September 13, 2012 at 11:37pmDebating = getting in bed with them? You’re kidding, right?
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soybomb315_II
Posted on September 13, 2012 at 11:47pmgetting paid by them = getting in bed with them
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Shinyhappymommy
Posted on September 13, 2012 at 8:06pmI love, love, love having Glenn on DISH. I have access to him on Roku and have for many months, but this is so much more convenient. WTG Glenn!
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CROCK-HANDLER
Posted on September 13, 2012 at 8:01pmisn’t Spitzer in jail?
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grayling646
Posted on September 13, 2012 at 8:14pmYes, he’ll be doing his part via remote from Rikers Island.
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kingbirther
Posted on September 13, 2012 at 8:01pmSo Glenn begged us on the air today to not drop our subscription to the online version of TheBlaze TV but then exclusive stuff like this is going to be on Dish? Why keep my online subscription?? It’s cheaper to get it on Dish
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SHASTADIANE1
Posted on September 13, 2012 at 8:14pmBecause your ONLINE subscription is not just paying for your viewing pleasure. It is also being used for expansion and for charitable purposes. It supports Mercury One which is meant to support charitable avenues. I will keep my subscription, even if it goes to DirectTV. I can watch all of it ONLINE even from work. OR from whereever I am with my computer.
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cloudsofwar
Posted on September 13, 2012 at 7:54pmallright i’m subcribing to the BLAZE TV.
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cloudsofwar
Posted on September 13, 2012 at 7:52pmman, i called DirecTv and they said they have no plans to carry glenn for now. Blazers call DirecTv and request they carry Glenn, BLAZE TV.
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riseandshine
Posted on September 13, 2012 at 8:57pmI’m getting DirecTV in a day or two..I hope I don’t have to cancel it.
riseandshine
Posted on September 13, 2012 at 9:38pm…in other words…I sure HOPE DirecTV doesn’t pick up Beck….sorry Beck fans.
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