Media

Undercover: NPR Exec Talks ‘Racist’ Tea Party and ‘Anti-Intellectual’ GOP, but is He Kowtowing to Muslim Brotherhood?

James O’Keefe, the controversial, undercover, conservative filmmaker, has released his company’s (Project Veritas) latest video today. This time, his group’s targeting publicly-funded NPP and catches one of the news outlet’s executives saying some suspect things. The video is sure to get some attention, but it’s not bulletproof, and there could be cause for concern.

To be sure, one of the NPR executives on the video, Ron Schiller (president of the NPR Foundation and senior vice president of development), is caught making damning statements. He calls the Tea Party “racist,“ decries the ”anti-intellectual” GOP, and claims liberals “might be more educated.”

He even attacks the supposed religious views of the Tea Party: “The current Republican Party, particularly the Tea Party, is fanatically involved in people’s personal lives and very fundamental Christian – I wouldn’t even call it Christian. It’s this weird evangelical kind of move.”

“[I]f Schiller represents the executive view at NPR,” Hot Air’s Ed Morrissey writes, “it’s not hard to imagine what kind of treatment those white, gun-toting, xenophobic Tea Partiers can expect from NPR’s news coverage.”

But the video also falls short of its intended goal: to catch NPR execs kowtowing to a fake Muslim Brotherhood front group. Schiller, as well as his companion, do not say anything shocking about glorifying the group per se, and it must be remembered that this is a donor meeting with $5 million on the line, not a policy debate.

That is not to say that Schiller is absolved from everything he said, but rather to give context. See and decide for yourself. I’ll update with some more thoughts in a bit:

Again, there is some shocking stuff there. But some things should be noted, including concerns:

1. Schiller does try to distinguish (somewhat) his professional views from his personal views. He fails. In the end, he’s at a work-related event. Trying to qualify something as “this is my personal opinion” doesn’t give him a blank slate to say whatever he wants and have it not reflect on NPR. Ironically, in the video Schiller blasts Juan Williams for doing this very thing.

2. Schiller does say that NPR is looking to feature Muslim voices. Guess what, Sean Hannity does the same thing. The Blaze does the same thing. All journalists and news organizations have a responsibility to present to the best of their ability all sides of the story. That’s why Hannity invited radical Muslim cleric Anjem Choudary on his program a few weeks ago. Even if you don’t agree with someone, they should still get a chance to say what they want. Glenn Beck has always said he’ll stand shoulder-to-shoulder with any MSNBC host for freedom of speech.

3. Some are pointing out that Schiller admits the station would be better off without federal funding, and use it as a “gotcha” moment. I‘m not sure that’s the case. I’ve worked in fundraising before, and it seems to me what Schiller is doing there is trying to remove a donation barrier. As he says, most “philanthropists” think NPR as almost fully-funded by the government, which certainly could prevent people from donating to the organization. If the government’s mainly funding NPR, why should donors?

4. It must be pointed out that Schiller does not overtly dignify the actor’s anti-Semitic comments. When the actor talks about Jews controlling the media, Schiller only  gives a half-hearted head motion. In fact, Schiller goes out of his way to point out that there’s no such thing as “Jewish influence” at NPR. That’s huge, and Schiller should be commended for that.

Unfairly, O‘Keefe puts Schiller’s response under the heading, “Jews Own the Newspapers, Obviously.” That’s not what he said at all. He said that there is Jewish influence at papers that are owned by Jews. That’s a far cry from saying “Jews own the newspapers, obviously.” In fact, Schiller’s associate, Betsy Liley, even mentions that NPR is funded in part by a Jewish organization. That doesn’t seem to be placating anti-Semitism.

5. When the actor first begins talking of the Muslim Brotherhood, the video cuts. The actor says the organization was originally funded by a few members of the MB in America, and we do not see or hear Schiller’s unedited, immediate reaction. The video instead cuts to Schiller’s talk about Muslim voices. Maybe that is his immediate reaction, but we don‘t know since there’s a video cut. That could be important, or maybe it’s not. But it’s definitely worth pointing out.

The video, in the end, not only raises questions about NPR, but it also raises questions about undercover, gotcha journalism that can sometimes border on entrapment. We’ll be discussing this more in the future.

For now, consider these points, watch the video again, and feel free to comment. We will be watching the story all day, including bringing you any reaction from NPR. By the way, we did reach out to NPR for comment. A spokeswoman declined to comment and said an official statement will be released today.

It also bears mentioning that yesterday video surfaced of NPR president Vivian Schiller issuing a challenge to find examples of NPR bias. It‘s doesn’t bode well for her that Ron Schiller’s comments about the Tea Party were made public today (note: Ron and Vivian are not related):

UPDATE:

NPR has responded to the video. See our story on that here.

Comments (177)

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  • Rickfromillinois
    Posted on March 8, 2011 at 8:52am

    The s.o.p. for liberals is to play the race card against anyone who disagrees with them. The Tea Party scares the crap out of them. They are constantly being attacked by the main stream media and the liberals/Democrats, and NPR. That is the same reason that they keep attacking Fox news. The liberals believe that Fox is responsible for the Tea Party and if they are shut down not only will the Tea Party be over but much of the popularity for Conservatism disappear.
    As for NPR, I find it worth pointing out that although they seem to believe that the Tea Party/Conservatives are racist, uneducated, morons, they are still demanding that these same people fund and support them. I think that it is time to stop using public funds on these elitist, arrogant, leaches. If the liberals believe that NPR is such a good idea, let them fund it.

    Report Post » Rickfromillinois  
  • WestOfThePecos
    Posted on March 8, 2011 at 8:49am

    You got to love the Jews. If they can disable a nuclear reactor through the internet, they can spy on anyone. I loved this video.

    Report Post » WestOfThePecos  
  • absolutely
    Posted on March 8, 2011 at 8:47am

    Ok then, WTF we need to immediately delete all funding and put NPR on the terrorist watch list. I’ll bet Mr. Schiller is putting on the ole Prep H this morning, do you think?
    Absolutely

    Report Post »  
  • 5 Aces
    Posted on March 8, 2011 at 8:47am

    Intellectual idiots funded by the taxpayer, but not for long, they are for sale to the highest bidder so they can freely manipulate the minds of mush without Government oversight. Its time to reinforce saving some funds by shutting down this publicly funded arm of the Federal Propaganda ministry. Feel free to write your Congress

    Report Post »  
  • Miami
    Posted on March 8, 2011 at 8:46am

    SOROS, SOROS, SOROS and SOROS.

    Is there anything new…?

    Besides these clowns having no credibility, they’re sellouts to boot. Not only do they sellout their morals but their country. I’m sure their parents are proud, if they know what they do, a common ****** has more self respect.

    They only sell themselves not the country…

    Report Post » Miami  
  • TXPilot
    Posted on March 8, 2011 at 8:45am

    Pay no attention to the rants at NPR, since they are just pissy because their tax payer funding is in imminent danger of going away soon.

    Report Post » TXPilot  
  • Hungry_i
    Posted on March 8, 2011 at 8:44am

    It’s per se, not per say.

    Report Post » Hungry_i  
  • GhostOfJefferson
    Posted on March 8, 2011 at 8:43am

    Oddly enough, not a one of these Superior Intellect types ever takes me up on an invitation to a conversation. How strange it must be to know that you’ve dedicated your life to the same exact type of propagandizing for totalitarianism as other hacks throughout history, such as Himmler for example.

    Report Post » GhostOfJefferson  
  • Sterling Mac
    Posted on March 8, 2011 at 8:41am

    Lovely:)

    Report Post »  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on March 8, 2011 at 8:41am

    NPR indeed needs to be defunded, for they have become nothing more than a propaganda machine for the leftists and the progressives agenda of the administration and all the cronies allied with them.

    And TOBYWIL2 is dead on with the story of telling their lies loud enough for long enough, others will to some degree or another start to accept them as an established fact and truth even when there is nothing of substance to them.

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
  • TruthisHealthy
    Posted on March 8, 2011 at 8:40am

    The United States of America has been taken over by enemies within. They will not achieve their Anti-American agenda. EFTHEMAL.

    Report Post »  
  • Laus Deo
    Posted on March 8, 2011 at 8:40am

    Grab your pitch forks!!!

    Report Post » Laus Deo  
  • CountMeIn
    Posted on March 8, 2011 at 8:38am

    Hey, NPR twit, I don’t personally believe that a college degree is necessarily a measure of intelligence. If those particular credentials are what impress you then I am happy to inform you that I earned a bachelors degree and remain a committed conservative! Liberals who I have known tend to be much more closed-minded and often refuse to look at the other side of any issues because they are so in love with their so-called ground-breaking theories. We need to turn this idea around and show liberal thinking for the shallow reasoning that is it.

    Report Post »  
  • TexasProgressive
    Posted on March 8, 2011 at 8:37am

    hard to argue either point. I think he’s right.

    Report Post »  
  • RightUnite
    Posted on March 8, 2011 at 8:37am

    Defund! Defund!! Defund!!! Defund NPR NOW !!! He said it.. They don’t need it! Defund it!

    Report Post »  
    • roe
      Posted on March 8, 2011 at 2:05pm

      I’m with you. I don’t want my money funding any organization that would even consider being in leagues with the Muslim Brotherhood. I know politics makes strange bed fellows but why are so many in this country (especially on the left) so willing to engage with terrorists?

      Report Post » roe  
  • Mister_Bill
    Posted on March 8, 2011 at 8:34am

    Senator Jim Demint called for the privatization of NPR ” But if PBS can pay Ms. Kerger $632,233 in annual compensation—as reported on the 990 tax forms all nonprofits are required to file—surely it can operate without tax dollars.” George Soros gave NPR 1.8 Million Dollars. “the Open Society Foundation, backed by liberal financier George Soros, gave NPR $1.8 million to help support the latter’s plan to hire an additional 100 reporters. When NPR receives million-dollar gifts from Mr. Soros, it is an insult to taxpayers when other organizations, such as MoveOn.org demand that Congress “save NPR and PBS” by guaranteeing “permanent funding and independence from partisan meddling,” as the liberal interest group did last month. It was even more insulting when PBS posted a message on Twitter thanking MoveOn.org—the group that once labeled Gen. David Petraeus as “General Betray Us”—for the help.” Tell your Congressman what you think, or start the revolution in 2012 – Vote.

    Report Post » Mister_Bill  
  • ETOOL USMC RECON
    Posted on March 8, 2011 at 8:34am

    Once again…..DEFUND NPR (Nationale Politikkal Radio)!

    BTW….Does anyone realize what kind of money these folks knock down????
    I used to write grants for a non-profit group…..Believe it or not….Mr. McFeely from Mr. Rogers has a $20,000,000 foundation !!!!

    DEFUND NOW !

    Report Post »  
  • glennisright.com
    Posted on March 8, 2011 at 8:34am

    Our tax dollars are paying this guys salary.

    http://www.glennisright.com

    Report Post » glennisright.com  
    • rogers2012
      Posted on March 11, 2011 at 8:17pm

      Isn’t it strange that the only jobs these educated liberal elitists can get are government paid jobs. I don’t believe they could make it in the real world.

      Report Post » rogers2012  
  • Stonewall_Jackson
    Posted on March 8, 2011 at 8:33am

    Man this dude can shovel it in, he never stopped stuffing his pie hole. But to the point what do we all expect? After all we are all a bunch of gun carrying, pro American, pro life, uneducated people who need the likes of this ASS to help us make it through the day.

    I bet he cannot even change a flat tire, looking forward to the day when he too will have to defend his sorry ass.

    Report Post » My Hero-Allen West-click my name  
  • LSX
    Posted on March 8, 2011 at 8:32am

    I anyone surprised?

    Why is it political correctness stops conservatives from saying what these people truly are?

    Traitors to the United States of America.

    *

    Report Post » LSX  
    • felina g
      Posted on March 8, 2011 at 9:33am

      Political Correctness: A Definition
      Monday, 07 March 2011 07:59

      ‘Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a piece of (poo) by the clean end.’

      - Definition contest at Melbourne University.

      Report Post »  
  • Fina Biscotti
    Posted on March 8, 2011 at 8:29am

    Glad to see that New Media journalist – James O’Keeffe – has more to show = give…..!

    Report Post »  
    • wtd
      Posted on March 8, 2011 at 10:53am

      This is only Part 1. Imagine the indigestion NPR ‘educated elite’ will have anticipating the release of the rest.

      NPR can report from whatever angle or from any bias they choose. They just have to realize that the American taxpayer doesn’t have to fund it.

      Report Post »  
    • NUTHRDUMBCONSERVATIVE
      Posted on March 8, 2011 at 11:36am

      WTD
      I doubt there is any indigestion at NPR. Their sheep will only hear the NPR spin of this if anything and their supporters know who they are supporting. They believe the same things. The problem is that sheep will fall for the straw dog argument every time and there is no way Schiller would allow himself to be embarassed by actually having a discussion with a human being of average intelligence. The absurd part is that not only do I know where my intelligence, education and career success place me statistically among the population but all of the stereotypical and actual measurements of conservatives and Tea Party members inherently place them on the high end of the spectrum.

      Report Post »  
  • Sandy
    Posted on March 8, 2011 at 8:29am

    Hopefully this video will be the END to NPR. The entire program needs to shut down. They are corrupt and will help any organization trying to destroy America for money.

    Report Post » Sandy  
    • WestOfThePecos
      Posted on March 8, 2011 at 9:00am

      I am for defunding NPR, but their is a lot of good ‘arts’ programming on the radio and TV programs. I even listen to the polical ‘crap’ just so I can compare to FOX and others.

      Report Post » WestOfThePecos  
    • Toastery
      Posted on March 8, 2011 at 11:09am

      Defund this anti-american National Progressive Rant called NPR NOW!!

      Report Post » Toastery  
    • Untameable-kate
      Posted on March 8, 2011 at 11:16am

      WestOfThePecos
      I don’t think anyone is suggesting that NPR or PBS are shut down, just defunded. Let them make their own way like a business should and stop giving them taxpayer dollars.

      Report Post » Untameable-kate  
  • Fina Biscotti
    Posted on March 8, 2011 at 8:29am

    ——————————————————————————–
    Obama Asks Terrorism Help — from Muslim Brotherhood Spinoff
    By Ben Johnson, FloydReports.com
    ——————————————————————————–

    As more sober minds consider ways to keep the Middle East from falling into the hands of the Muslim Brotherhood, Barack Obama is “fighting terrorism” by reaching out to the leader of one of the Brotherhood’s American creations. In the process, a White House official revealed that radical Muslims frequently advise the White House office headed by the president’s top adviser and alter ego, Valerie Jarrett.

    Preemptive Groveling

    Flush with instances of American Muslims supporting Islamic jihad, Rep. Peter King is set to launch his investigation into the radicalization of U.S. mosques, imams, and the faithful they serve later this week. Barack Obama, ever keen to reach out to the Muslim community, decided to get ahead of this by sending a deputy to plead with the extremists for cooperation. On Sunday, Deputy National Security Advisor Denis McDonough spoke to a Sterling, Virginia, mosque some believe is a model of moderate Islam: the All Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS), led by imam Mohamed Magid. Indeed, McDonough began by thanking Magid by name.

    Although the Sudanese-born imam presents himself as an ecumenical, anti-terrorism leader active in “interfaith” outreach, his current associations — and those of others at his mosque — present a different picture….

    Report Post »  
  • James83940
    Posted on March 8, 2011 at 8:28am

    Defund them NOW! You can say these things about Americans & get public money!! DO IT NOW CONGRESS!!

    Report Post »  
    • DarthVader
      Posted on March 8, 2011 at 3:29pm

      At least these guys have journalist ethics. Beck doesn’t try to be ethical in his journalism. Sure, he doesn‘t say he’s a journalist, so that’s his excuse for his unsubstantiated assertions. Are you going to look past his lack of journalistic ethics and then criticize an organization that at least tries? Think about it. All our journalist should genuinely try to be fair and balanced, unlike Fox’s Unfair and Unbalanced approach.

      Report Post »  
    • Y.b-M.I
      Posted on March 8, 2011 at 6:13pm

      Hahahah… NPR – Executive ; is that like a communist businessman? What happened to defunding these …people?

      Report Post »  
    • thepatriotdave
      Posted on March 8, 2011 at 8:32pm

      Please forgive me, but Ron Schiller is an ASS!

      Report Post » thepatriotdave  
    • Templar Knight
      Posted on March 8, 2011 at 9:11pm

      I agree they need to be defunded immediately. They have presented themselves in cahoots with radical terrorists the Muslim Brotherhood and then dare to call Tea Parties racist?

      How is it possible that millions of our tax paying dollars have gone to organizations like this and unions. These are the people that give money to Democrats it’s no wonder they love them so much. Taxes go to the unions and NPR which in turn go to Democrats, it‘s like we’re paying them Twice!

      This is criminal and it needs to stop.

      Report Post » Huguenot Descendant  
    • captainutah
      Posted on March 9, 2011 at 11:18am

      @Vader, NPR is like the BBC (I’m originally from England). It puts up a front of striving for impartiality as a way of deflecting from its true goals (apparent to anyone who does not hold their view) of putting out left-slanted takes on the events of the day. The reason this is not clear to everyone is that when an organization consistently puts out content with which you ideologically agree you tend not to realize it’s slanted a certain way. That is why Glenn is absolutely right for not claiming journalistic integrity, his content comes from a conservative political perspective. It is fine for him (or a liberal for that matter) to say that what he believes is right and true because he is not attempting to maintain this unobtainable, fictional standard of impartiality. One can never be 100% objective because humans are not objects, we have emotion, morals, beliefs and values that no professional framework can overcome. This is why I believe that Fox’s goal of showing both sides is a noble one. Is it always achieved? No, of course not, but it’s far more intellectually honest than any other news organization. Mr Schiller’s comments about the right being anti-intellectual are very telling actually as his side generally tends to favor the shutting down and gagging of opposing viewpoints a heck of a lot more than the right does.

      Report Post » captainutah  
  • NickDeringer
    Posted on March 8, 2011 at 8:28am

    Inside every Liberal/Progressive there’s a totalitarian screaming to get out.

    There are pseudo-intellectuals who have proclaimed themselves the Philosopher Kings of our day.

    Report Post » NickDeringer  
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