Media

Beck Makes List of Top 50 Pundits Going Into 2012 Campaign Season

Business Insider Names Glenn Beck Among Top 50 Political Pundits

America’s political dialogue is directed by a continuously growing number of political pundits, “talking heads,” perhaps more so now than ever. Michael Brendan Dougherty and Glynnis MacNicol of the Politix page of Business Insider have named, in their opinion, the 50 “only pundits you need to pay attention to between now and the election.”

The 50 pundits were named in no particular order, and the Biz Insider guys gave some entertaining assessments of the power players in political media:

  • On Chris Hayes of MSNBC, until recently the Washington Editor of The Nation:

“He is pioneering a new style in punditry: super-nerdy, super-quick, interested in arcane details and detailed arcana. And really really sincere! It can seem as if Hayes and his guests sprung directly from the mind of Aaron Sorkin (creator of The West Wing).”

  • On Andy Levy of Fox News’ Red Eye:

“Fox News’ dead-of-night show ‘Red Eye has a devoted following that keeps its ratings sky high.  The same can be said for Levy, who has a talent for throwing a perfectly aimed 140 character jab, the sort that knocks a person out before then even know they’ve been hit (cf. Chris Brown).”

  • On Andrew Sullivan, writer of The Dish blog on The Daily Beast (Formerly on The Atlantic, formerly on Time):

“Now that Sarah Palin is no longer in the game and Sullivan has dropped his Trig birtherism obsession he is back in top form.”

  • On Matt Drudge of the Drudge Report:

“Why You Should Follow Him: Because literally everyone else in the media is following his lead.”

  • On Glenn Beck and “his new web-empire The Blaze and his radio show and GBTV- his new web television venture:”

“When Glenn Beck recommends a book it goes straight to the top of Amazon.  When he draws a big gigantic map of the world complete with flame illustrations on his chalkboard the world ‘caliphate’ immediately trends on Google…for days. “

Check out the full list at Business Insider.

Comments (123)

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  • Susie
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 12:32am

    Way to go @Zengapa65
    You just had to remind me that the useful idiots are back off their Occu-tard mission – snuggled once again in their little rat holes for the winter. Take a deep breath folks, looks like we’re stuck with them ’til spring, when their handlers call them out again.

    Report Post »  
  • Paul G
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 12:14am

    I would hardly call Glenn a pundit….More like a teacher or mentor.

    Report Post »  
    • Thatsitivehadenough
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 1:35am

      But, he’s still a pundit too. It’s just that we actually LEARN something from him. Unlike most of the others.

      Report Post » Thatsitivehadenough  
    • downthewell
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 9:27am

      Glenn Beck is a divider, a fear monger and a part of the problem in this country. He promotes animosity among all Americans. He views people who don’t share his point of view as evil and then profits from the hatred he causes. He bangs the drum of “IT’S US AGAINST THEM!” and the fools that dance to his beat will end up with a ruined country after the dance is over. WAKE UP and think for a change. Don’t be led astray by fear mongers like Glenn Beck. Ronald Reagan would have recognized Beck for the divisive profiteer that he is. Don’t fall for his hogwash.

      Report Post »  
    • vivianclare
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 2:29pm

      There goes Downthewell again. A poor deluded soul. Why on earth compare Reagan to Beck? Reagan was a politician. Beck is a revealer of truth. Not exactly the same old thingie, is it? I‘m sorry that you can’t see the difference between the need for truth, and your desire for pleasant platitudes. Reagan also made quite a few mistakes, such as appointing Sandra Day O’Connor, and trusting Democrats to enact the spending cuts they promised.

      Sorry but the truth DOES divide. It divides in the Bible as well, so don’t try pulling out the Christian schtick. Who are YOU to decide what is in MZee26′s mind? Your own comments merely show you to be a hater of Glenn Beck. You don’t even mention what it is you disagree with him about. He does not foment hate, he foments discernment, something you obviously lack.

      Report Post »  
    • reform
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 3:51am

      Just give down the Hill a trophy and he might just go away.

      Report Post »  
  • SychinLegacy
    Posted on November 30, 2011 at 11:48pm

    The article cited Joe Scarborough and Jon Stewart as a legitimate opinionated…

    I cannot believe a word of it anymore.

    Report Post » SychinLegacy  
    • downthewell
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 9:39am

      The animosity in our society these days toward others who don’t share our perspectives on politics is really alarming. Good people can disagree. It doesn’t make them evil. We are headed down the wrong path as a nation, where anger and hatred is growing. We’re more divided than ever and I think pundits like Glenn Beck, Ed Schultz, Ann Coulter, Keith Olbermann, Al Sharpton etc. are greasing the skids and making fortunes while they’re at it. The hate‘s got to stop or we’re finished.

      Report Post »  
  • The-Monk
    Posted on November 30, 2011 at 11:34pm

    @ZengaPA65
    “Ron Paul 2012”
    —————————————–
    Well, that explains it. You are a dope smoking ID 10 T PEBKAC with a WITWAC personality.

    Report Post » The-Monk  
  • ZengaPA65
    Posted on November 30, 2011 at 11:25pm

    Stick to your day jobs since your psychic abilities suck so bad clowns.

    Ron Paul 2012

    Report Post » ZengaPA65  
  • MrMagoo
    Posted on November 30, 2011 at 11:18pm

    Nor do we need a dope smoking OWS freak here.Ah,maybe we do.To remind us of the 1% of losers/takers.Like a carnival side show,the curiosity is untamed.Chang and Eng Bunker were more entertaining,classy,and intelligent though!

    And Human.

    Report Post » MrMagoo  
  • mzee26
    Posted on November 30, 2011 at 11:08pm

    @ZengaPA65 Apparently you do pay attention to what Glenn Beck says….you’re posting on his website. This is America, if you don‘t like him don’t read about him, buy his books, hang out on his website or waste your breath on him. You sound like the typical liberal that likes to spew hate about Glenn, but yet you can’t stay away because in all reality, Glenn really is relevant to you. If he wasn’t, you wouldn‘t feel the need to comment about someone who you seem to think is a ’crook and a liar.’ People like you make me laugh, but it’s really sad. I’ll pray for your soul because it sounds like you really need it.

    Report Post »  
    • ZengaPA65
      Posted on November 30, 2011 at 11:21pm

      Put some vaporub in your eyes to help yourself cry in your sadness.

      Report Post » ZengaPA65  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on November 30, 2011 at 11:29pm

      @ZengaPA65
      Your Zig Zag picture tells me you are probably a dope smoker. Looks like the pot smoke in your eyes is blurring your vision and clouding your mind. Be honest… are you a pot smoker? Or do you just find that that old 1960′s rolling paper ad is hip?

      Report Post » The-Monk  
    • pamela kay
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 1:27am

      MZEE26, You stated that so well. Thanks, I enjoyed your post.

      Report Post » pamela kay  
    • downthewell
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 9:55am

      MZEE26, there you go again. Hostile toward another because they have a different POV. And that tired line used as a snarky insult “I’ll pray for you” is something you should really be ashamed of as a Christian. Would you say that in the presence of Jesus? No, of course not. He would see the hatred in your mind and you know it. Glenn has all of you people hating anyone who disagrees with your perspectives. Glenn has outright called people who disagree with him “EVIL!!!” Reagan never did that. We need more Reagans desperately. Beck, Coulter, Sharpton, Olbermann etc. are destroying our nation and profiting from it and it’s wrong.

      Report Post »  
    • smv803
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:41am

      Great summation-you pretty much nailed your point. It is laughable how the left are intrigued by Glenn. It’s like “The Kramer” from Seinfeld, that painting of Cosmo. ” He’s loathsome, but I can’t take my eyes off him.” or something like that.

      Then you get the loonies immediately posting to rebuke opinion. What an interesting world we live in.

      Report Post » smv803  
  • MrMagoo
    Posted on November 30, 2011 at 11:07pm

    Glenn Beck’s speech at Restoring Honor was unmatched ANYWHERE.His gumption and truth were, and are, TIMELESS.
    Thanks much Glenn!

    Report Post » MrMagoo  
    • lukerw
      Posted on November 30, 2011 at 11:34pm

      In Russia… the were two Papers… one called “Truth” and one called “News”… and the people said, you can get one or the other, but not both… which has become our Media… except for Glenn, where we can get News (Facts), Honesty, and Truth!

      Report Post » lukerw  
  • CygnusX1
    Posted on November 30, 2011 at 11:07pm

    ……

    Zengaoa65 – Something about your post gives me the impression that you spend much of your time sitting in a pool of urine somewhere near Wall St.

    Report Post »  
  • grayling646
    Posted on November 30, 2011 at 10:55pm

    No Limbaugh, no O’reilly, No Hannity? And he has Bill Mahr? Hmmm, Glenn must really be pissed at Fox or those guys and I think he’s still friends with Bill. I don’t understand why these people would be left out. They’re probably gonna be the most watched/listened to of all of them.

    Report Post »  
  • MrHoggLegg
    Posted on November 30, 2011 at 10:55pm

    A Great Man (From A Useful Idiots Point of View) Once Said ✡ ‘It is enough that the people know there was an election. The people who cast the votes decide nothing. The people who count the votes decide everything’ ✡ Joseph Stalin ✡ Here is a Link to a WSJ Article proving the Point that Joseph Stalin was absolutely Correct ✡ http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123111967642552909.html ✡ This list of so called Pundits is nothing more than a Smoke Screen for the Unwashed Masses! ✡ I know everyone is thinking I’m comparing Apples to Oranges but nothing could be further from the truth ✡ Just because these Pundits are talking about Republicans and not Democrats ✡ The truth is ✡ The majority of these so called Pundits are talking about Progressives not Conservatives! ✡ So at the end of the Primaries a Republican Progressive will be nominated because ✡ ‘It is enough that the people know there was an election. The people who cast the votes decide nothing. The people who count the votes decide everything!’

    Report Post » MrHoggLegg  
  • Thor64
    Posted on November 30, 2011 at 10:44pm

    Why not put tosh on there and make it a complete list of idiots.Now Wonder the rest of the world is laughing at us if this is the best we have!

    Report Post » Thor64  
  • Locked
    Posted on November 30, 2011 at 10:42pm

    Talking heads are in the best position. Free to criticize anything and everything when it comes to politics, and never needing to worry about keeping the public happy… just their viewership. I find it hilarious when people say “Such and such pundit should run for office, he has great ideas!” Why would they? Being a pundit lets them say things more openly, make more money, and not deal with any of the pressure of actually having responsibility to back up their words, promises, or actions.

    For this reason I hardly ever watch shows by any pundits, Beck included. At the same time, I do enjoy this site because it often (not always, but often) puts some substance or sources behind what it writes. It’s opinion, yes, but it’s also news, and unlike a television or radio show where you’re talked at, at least on a site like The Blaze, you can voice your opinion as well and point out if anything is wrong or biased. So while I don’t care much for pundits in general, I applaud Beck for starting an alternative site to give an outlet to those who don’t feel the desire to be preached at.

    Also, as a businessman, he’s top-notch.

    Report Post »  
  • YoungBloodNews
    Posted on November 30, 2011 at 10:40pm

    I sure hope I make the cut, not holding my breath. ;)

    Report Post » YoungBloodNews  
  • OlefromMN
    Posted on November 30, 2011 at 10:20pm

    Here’s the deal. I pay less attention to the pundit behind the words than I do the words themselves. I see some of the most liberal bloggers on the list (who I will read about 3 sentences of their work before the need to throw up) and it also is suspect that Rush is not prominently displayed on the story page. Is Nate Silver really in the same league as Rush? Is Glenn in the same league?

    Report Post » OlefromMN  
  • MrMagoo
    Posted on November 30, 2011 at 10:10pm

    Glenn Beck is the George Washington of the bunch,his book(s) excluded.Its nice to know SOMEONE gets it! A man of his time and past,he’s a Leader.What a stark contrast to the liars and con-men of today.

    Report Post » MrMagoo  
    • jzs
      Posted on November 30, 2011 at 10:13pm

      Of Beck’s list of the nine worst people in the world, eight were Jewish. I have to wonder if all the people he’s mocking in this list are also Jewish.

      Report Post » jzs  
    • MrMagoo
      Posted on November 30, 2011 at 10:22pm

      JZS,what list are you referring to?

      Report Post » MrMagoo  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on November 30, 2011 at 10:25pm

      @JZS

      This is nothing new when it comes to posts from you, but………..What?????????

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on November 30, 2011 at 11:23pm

      @jzs
      Hello again JeZuS,
      Do you remember what happened to you the last time you lied about my friend? I’m doubling down on that now. Expect the unexpected in your life… very soon.

      Report Post » The-Monk  
    • BrayDeck
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 12:57am

      Glenn Beck’s support for Israel is laced with Anti-Semitism! Everyone knows Israelites aren’t Jews!
      Wait a minute…

      You’re an idiot JZS.
      Love, an Ephraimite.

      Report Post » BrayDeck  
    • veruca salt
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 1:07am

      Do your own research, like Mr. Beck says. Google can be your friend:

      Four articles concerning the “list”:

      irishcentral.com/story/news/people_and_politics/glenn-beck-revealed-as-clearly-anti-semitic—-names-eight-jews-out-of-nine-on-his-most-dangerous-list-113673319.html

      jewishjournal.com/opinion/article/glenn_beck_rally_in_jerusalem_bad_for_the_jews_20110816/

      ranker.com/list/glenn-beck_s-most-dangerous-men-in-america/jennifer-lee

      rehmat2.wordpress.com/2011/02/01/glenn-becks-eight-most-dangerous-jews/

      And a partial Youtube clip of the show referenced:

      youtube.com/watch?v=3AXzdk3l1dk

      Report Post »  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 1:38am

      @JZS

      Come on now, fess up, you only read the headline and misinterpreted it instead of actually reading the article, right?

      Wouldn’t be the first time now would it?

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
    • jzs
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 10:15am

      Here ya go, the list of the worst nine people in the world according to Beck, and eight of the nine are jewish.

      http://mediamatters.org/blog/201101140003

      Monk, you’d better remind me about your previous threat. Honestly, I don’t pay much attention to you. But you are starting to sound a little creepy.

      Report Post » jzs  
    • Hockeytown
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 10:41am

      JZS Media Matters come on most trolls can do better than that. If you hate Glenn so much, go back to Media Matters and spew your hate over there were it will be more accepted.

      Report Post » Hockeytown  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:45am

      @JZS

      We know all about THAT list. It’s one of your favorite distractions.

      It is the 2nd sentence of your “post” that we find peculiar.

      Durrrrr………

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
  • louise
    Posted on November 30, 2011 at 10:04pm

    When someone tells you that he loves the Constitution and the founders of our nation, you come to expect certain things. For example, I expect a true conservative to desire a candidate who knows what our Constitution says (since it is the law of the land), and uphold it. Thus I would expect him to be in support of the candidate who really does believe in the Constitution our Founders penned.

    I am realizing that a lot of people are afraid of Liberty. Do not be afraid because where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is Liberty. This is true Liberty.

    RON PAUL 2012

    I hope more and more “pundits” come to understand this Statesman

    Report Post » louise  
    • Julie
      Posted on November 30, 2011 at 10:35pm

      Louise, I understand this statesman perfectly. He places pork in bills for his district, and when he knows that the bill has enough votes to pass, he decides to vote against it so that he will look honorable to the people that are not paying attention. He is no friend of Israel and he is perfectly happy with Iran having nukes. That is all I need to know.

      Report Post »  
    • grayling646
      Posted on November 30, 2011 at 10:58pm

      Anybody but Obama or Paul in 2012

      Report Post »  
    • louise
      Posted on November 30, 2011 at 11:12pm

      Julie,
      He is the only one who has consistently voted along Constitutional lines. He actually believes in upholding his oath of office. Everyone else has broken their oath because if you check their records, they did not consistently vote along Constitutional lines. He is no womanizer. He is humble but wise. He believes what our Founders penned is relevant today. Liberty is what formed this country. I agree with Ron Paul that it is worth preserving.
      You do not need to be afraid of Iran. If Iran or anyone else attacks us, he would get consent from Congress first before taking care of the aggressor. One thing he would not do is nation build. He would secure our borders and make our homeland defense second to none. All the while doing these things Constitutionally and within budget. He has promised to never use the Executive Order for anything. And he is head and shoulders above any other gop candidate when it comes to the economy and sound money.
      His foreign policy is that of our Constitution. He believes in non-intervention and is opposed to isolationism. Democrats and GOP alike need to learn the difference. And everyone needs to learn the difference between militarism and defense.
      He is a Christian and pro-life.

      These are MY reasons why I will support only him.

      RON PAUL 2012

      Report Post » louise  
    • BrayDeck
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 1:00am

      What about the millions of dollars of pork he put in bills? And how about voting against those bills because they are “unconstitutional.”

      Typical hypocrite politician.

      Ditto on Grayling.
      Anybody but Obama or Paul (or Gingrich) 2012

      Report Post » BrayDeck  
    • louise
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 7:20am

      To Juli and Breydeck:

      Here is a link to an interview Ron Paul had on Fox news with Cavuto regarding earmarks.

      I hope this helps you to understand how earmarks work.

      http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,508604,00.html

      Report Post » louise  
  • garyM
    Posted on November 30, 2011 at 9:55pm

    I wouldn’t be proud of being on any list that I shared with Bill Mahar! It should have been a positive influence list!

    Report Post »  
  • C-Delta Conductor
    Posted on November 30, 2011 at 9:52pm

    The Business Insider article is really poorly edited and proofed, several of the pundits are tagged as “him/her” including Sarah Palin –who I’m pretty d-mn sure is a woman.

    Report Post » C-Delta Conductor  
  • SHOWMESTATEGUY
    Posted on November 30, 2011 at 9:51pm

    The 2012 election will be the battle that defines America for the future. If BO and his Chicago buddies win then America as you once knew it is over. “Change you can believe in”. Hope you all like the new America.

    Report Post »  
    • Modawg734Blue
      Posted on November 30, 2011 at 10:08pm

      I agree, We don’t need “change” we need a restoration.

      Report Post »  
    • Eblaze44
      Posted on November 30, 2011 at 10:40pm

      depending on your age, America as you once knew it has been over for a few years, like since the Korean War. It will never go back – it doesn’t know how. Barack Obama is just the pinnacle of the change. As long as women make up the majority of the workforce and leave the kids to be raised by daycare and we have an education system that indoctrinates our children rather than educates the, as long as kids get everything handed to them on a silver platter – nothing will change. Marcus Welby MD and Dr. Heathcliff of the Bill Cosby show, their days are done. Until the Federal Government of the United States is taken out of our lives, quits interfering with families, and does only what the Constitution requires it to do, and leaves it to the states to take care of their residents – no – American is not going back. Avarice, hedonistic, self centered people that this nation has become – no – it’s not going back. Hell will freeze over first or the Second Coming will happen.

      Report Post » Eblaze44  
  • hersey10
    Posted on November 30, 2011 at 9:51pm

    This list is a complete joke . I can name at least 10 power players on both sides that were left off and practical nobodies were listed instead .

    Report Post » hersey10  
  • PATRIOTGRUNT
    Posted on November 30, 2011 at 9:51pm

    Who cares . I am the most influential pundit to myself.

    Report Post » PATRIOTGRUNT  
    • V-MAN MACE
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 8:24am

      And that‘s what’s awesome about it.

      I don’t HAVE TO let some neocon shill tell me who I can or cannot vote for. I can think for myself.

      Thank God for electrical current.

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
  • theninthplanet
    Posted on November 30, 2011 at 9:50pm

    They also named Bill Maher…

    Report Post » theninthplanet  
  • catwilli
    Posted on November 30, 2011 at 9:47pm

    Damn straight!!!

    Report Post » catwilli  
  • broker0101
    Posted on November 30, 2011 at 9:42pm

    That’s quite an accomplishment, considering that most people, even the politically engaged, could not name a dozen “Pundits” off the top of their heads, much less fifety. Congratulations, Glenn! Another big win.

    Report Post » broker0101  
    • andyingle08
      Posted on November 30, 2011 at 9:51pm

      Oh my is fifety a new number? Numerically, what does it look like? I always love a new lesson on grammar.

      Report Post » andyingle08  
    • ZengaPA65
      Posted on November 30, 2011 at 10:44pm

      It comes after eleventynine.

      Report Post » ZengaPA65  
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