Huffington’s $250k Bus Pledge For Stewart Rally a ‘Shock’ to Staff
- Posted on October 11, 2010 at 5:20pm by
Meredith Jessup
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During her Sept. 28 visit to “The Daily Show,” liberal media magnate Arianna Huffington dropped a surprise for Jon Stewart and his audience: free bus rides for New Yorkers who wants to attend Stewart’s 10/30 “Rally to Restore Sanity” in Washington. But as big of a surprise as it was to Stewart and his fans, it was reportedly an even bigger surprise to to everyone back at HuffPo headquarters.
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon – Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
| Arianna Huffington | ||||
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For an estimated $250,000, Huffington has promised 100 buses bound for the rally. But according to TheWrap, the financial commitment is dizzying to HuffPo executives who are looking to capitalize on the move. “Arianna has a sixth sense for promotion, for capturing lots of attention,” HuffPo’s President Greg Coleman said in an interview with TheWrap. “We were surprised when she made that offer. She didn’t tell us. But inside the Huffington Post this does nothing to hurt our revenues.”
“What we’re working on is turning this into an opportunity. Working with largest marketers in country to sponsor this Sanity Bus Tour. This one is going to cost us some money, and we are looking at this as an opportunity,” he said.
But some of Huffington Post’s finance executives are wincing, according to insiders.
[T]he announcement was a “shock to the system” back at HuffPo, according to one insider, where employees were left to deal with curiosity seekers wandering by to sign up for the buses. (On the air, Huffington invited rally-goers to “just come to the Huffington Post, 560 Broadway in Soho; the bus will be there, we’ll take you with us!”)
And bean-counters wondered how much it was going to cost at a time when the company is seeking to show revenue growth and fiscal discipline.
The company was in talks to be acquired by Yahoo! — where HuffPo CEO Eric Hippeau is on the board of directors — in the spring, but those talks broke off inconclusively after the two sides could not agree on a valuation for the site.
Meanwhile, HuffPo has reportedly been getting quite the response. “We are all super excited about it,” HuffPo spokesman Mario Ruiz told TheWrap, “along with over 11,000 who have signed up. Everyone from the company’s been ‘on board’ from the get-go, and we can’t wait for Oct. 30.”
Not to be outdone, Stephen Colbert, host of the Colbert Report, has challenged Huffington to also provide bus transportation for his rival “Keep Fear Alive” rally on the same day as Stewart’s.
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Comments (152)
Constitutional
Posted on October 11, 2010 at 6:42pmAstroturf Bus Caravan. How fitting that these buses will be filled with the typical people looking for a free ride.
Report Post »spanish olive
Posted on October 11, 2010 at 6:55pmWhat is meaning of your “astroturf” reference? I‘m coming from the left and I haven’t learned your terminology yet.
NEVER.GIVE.IN
Posted on October 11, 2010 at 10:06pm@ SPANISHOLIVE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P44q7Jt68DA&feature=fvw
Report Post »Astroturf is an insult from the left to diminish the reality of the sea change that is the tea party and restoring honor surge. I have taken our family to 5 rallys now, and our 4 kids are learning a lot about their responsibility to participate and uphold the constitution. I have not been recruited or paid, but continue to sacrifice to support what I believe.
kcgagliardi
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 1:48pmAsk Nancy.
Report Post »endabortion
Posted on October 11, 2010 at 6:38pmI think Glen Beck is driving Stewart Crazy. He just can`t take it.
Report Post »spanish olive
Posted on October 11, 2010 at 6:36pmum, isn’t this whole event all about satire? frankly, American “standards” of political debate have become ridiculous.
GoingBeck
Posted on October 11, 2010 at 6:35pmShe’s going to have to stock the buses with marijuana
Report Post »to get all of the potheads to go. This rally should have
been called Restoring Surreality.
poster
Posted on October 11, 2010 at 6:34pmPack the buses with Tea Partiers! Thanks for the free ride, Ariana!
Report Post »blacksmith
Posted on October 11, 2010 at 8:17pmThe idea of Tea partiers signing up for the ride is fantastic. New Yorkers, sign up,get the free ride and enjoy the sites of our Nation’s capital. I would think that be the freedom loving folks at the Huffington Post would not attempt to force you to the rally and you could have a Tea Party as a positive protest. The plus is that a limousine liberal finally did spread some of thier wealth to a good cause instead of the trash they are trying to spread our money for.
Report Post »Rational Man
Posted on October 11, 2010 at 11:03pmThat would be one looong bus ride with those people. Even if it was only five blocks!
Report Post »NevaDan
Posted on October 11, 2010 at 6:30pmHuffy should spend the $250,000 on a cleanup crew so they do not look like the pigs who showed up at the last leftist effort to out-do Glenn Beck’s rally.
Report Post »heavyduty
Posted on October 11, 2010 at 6:30pmWhat the first one didn’t count? Now they are going to try it again! HUH. Well let them keep spending their money on this crap. That’s just less money for them to spread their lies. Even if they have 3 times as many people there at the rally’s, it won’t do them any good. Because they will leave three times the mess that they did the last time. That means if they spent 10,000 to clean up the last rally they had, then it will cost them 30,000 to clean up this one. The DUMBASCRATES just don’t get it. They have done made their bed. Nov. 2 will be when they have to lay in it. Then everyone in the world will know what a bunch of losers they are.
Report Post »Helen-of-Joy
Posted on October 11, 2010 at 7:02pm@heavyduty ~
If you are right, they will have to hire more workers for the cleanup and pay them overtime. Then Mr. Obama can claim the jobless numbers went down!
Report Post »honor007
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 2:54pmi guess? that is what they consider “green” jobs….urg!!!
Report Post »Metalist
Posted on October 11, 2010 at 6:24pmMy favorite part is when Colbert is “Not to be undone…” In begging for funds?
I predict a smaller turnout than the 10/2 fiasco. Surely less than 8/28. But like O’reilly said, every drug dealer within a 100 mile radius will be there. I mean, all their customers will be there, so why not?
Report Post »Jmanzione
Posted on October 11, 2010 at 6:23pmThis doesn’t make sense. I read the HuffPo (You HAVE to read all sides to wade through the BS coming from every corner, I agree with .001% of HuffPo content) and because HuffPo is a liberal tabloid site, full of people who seem to hate everything and everybody, and as I understand this Stewart rally its about how ridiculous BOTH sides are becoming… am I right? So, why in the world would she be welcome by Stewart since she is, admittedly, part of the extremists.
I would imagine neither extreme left or extreme right would find anything appealing about this rally… so either Stewart is lying about his intentions or Ms Huffington is confused about Stewarts message.
Report Post »NoName22
Posted on October 11, 2010 at 6:50pmHer reasoning that the Stimulus was not effective is because the government didn’t spend enough.
At least she’s consistent when they decides to randmnly splurge $250 grand. She’ll be sitting in the back, smokin bluntz, with a big chain necklace and Obama’s face in gold hanging from the bottom.
Report Post »spanish olive
Posted on October 11, 2010 at 6:22pmso, readers of the huffington post are comprised of unruly social misfits and dangerous anarchists? have you ever heard of the term “projection?”
ZeitgeistBuster
Posted on October 11, 2010 at 6:40pmSpanish Olive, it’s not projection. We already showed the world how RULY and RESPECTFUL we are. I think that your comment comes from anger that the mis-fits are disproportionately represented by the pandered to elements that now live in lefty land.
Report Post »spanish olive
Posted on October 11, 2010 at 6:52pmI don’t think they are. Leftists are regular people, “real Americans,” just like you and me.
Browncoat359
Posted on October 11, 2010 at 6:57pmSpanish Olive,WE aren’t the anarchists. Obviously you haven‘t availed yourself of this site’s resources. Didn‘t you see all of the photo’s from One Nation showing the many,many communists,socilaists,and yes,even anarchists in attendance? Yeah it was really hilarious that a number of them were SELLING their brain damaged scribblings considering how much they all seem to despise Capitalism.
Report Post »flyguync
Posted on October 11, 2010 at 11:16pmYeah, you should have been over at the the H.P. the week prior to the 10/2 rally. There were a bunch of upset people over the lack of promotion from H.P. on that one.
Let’s see – 100 buses times 50 people – wow, a whole 5000 New Yorkers showing up for this event!
Report Post »Gabby in Florida
Posted on October 11, 2010 at 6:11pmThey think they will get advertising for what. Who cares about Arianna Huffington and liberal blog are you kidding me?? Cult mind set is wearing thin on these kids they have bigger problems to deal with like graduation of college to what no jobs? Either infrastructure jobs or government jobs?? AND her trying to sell the blog to YAHOO?? thats laughable. YOUR selling a chatty patty list of BS.. Since when are blogs valuable and an asset? Seems to me it is an intangible because when the newest latest greatest blog spot comes along like a new bar hang out your history and left with no one or nothing. I would hope to aspire to more in life than QUEEN OF THE PROGRESSIVE WEB SITE FOR TODAY and I see she has lost alot of Bloggers. NO doubt she still has many but its not the rah rah Obama cheer she used to hold. Lots of conservatives hit there to read and try to talk some sense into the crazy liberals. JMHO.
The three stooges. ARIANA JON AND STEVE. I hope the money is worth losing cause its an empty investment.
Report Post »Stegall TX
Posted on October 11, 2010 at 6:10pmHmmm. I would hate to think that several hundred interested folks would sign up and then just not show up. That would be terrible.
Report Post »Erdnase
Posted on October 11, 2010 at 6:21pmExcellent!!!!!!!
Report Post »HelterSkelter
Posted on October 11, 2010 at 7:40pm{ thousands } – suppose they gave a ‘rally’, and NOBODY came ?
Report Post »Rollo2
Posted on October 11, 2010 at 7:44pmWhere do I sign up?.. Puff Ho? Oops, I meant Huff Po.
Report Post »benrush
Posted on October 11, 2010 at 6:06pmWhy don’t they open up the free bus rides to folks from all 57 states?
Report Post »EZDOZIT
Posted on October 11, 2010 at 8:03pmMaybe the unaccounted stimulus $ ended up in the other 7 states.Kick back land.
Report Post »benrush
Posted on October 11, 2010 at 6:06pmLefties will do anything as long as they don’t have to work for it, and it’s paid for by someone else.
Report Post »BetterDays
Posted on October 11, 2010 at 7:20pmWhich is why our Gasoline tax’s arew going up to 40 cents a gallon (from 18 cents), so we can pay, and pay, and pay, and pay for the liberal leftists who shall “magically” be granted waivers from all taxation.
Report Post »RobertCA
Posted on October 11, 2010 at 6:01pmBin Laden is offering Mules in support of the Marxist Rally
Report Post »1911VALOR
Posted on October 11, 2010 at 5:57pmLast ditch effort by leftist America hating demorats. They see their utopia slipping away.
Report Post »SimpleTruths
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 2:39pmWhat was left of any Utopia was wiped out by Reagan – 33% increase in people living under the poverty level, National Debt Tripled, unemployment hit 10%, federal government GREW by 90% in Reagan administration. Those are just facts, not spin, do the research.
Report Post »poverty.sucks
Posted on October 11, 2010 at 5:56pmInteresting watching the body of this movement when they don’t know which direction the Head wants to go.
Report Post »SimpleTruths
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 2:23pmYou’re talking about the Tea Party, right?
Report Post »Have-Gun-Will-Travel
Posted on October 11, 2010 at 5:56pmselling advertising to unions for the sides of the bus
Report Post »starman70
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 9:55amIf you know the routes of these busses and you happen to have spike strips—have fun!
Report Post »Helen-of-Joy
Posted on October 11, 2010 at 5:55pmNow how many fruits, nuts and flakes from New York will fit in 100 buses? This is going to be a very interesting crowd indeed! Huffpo and the like have a very skewed perception of what their readers are truly about. I’m not sure they are ready for what will show up much less be able to control them. Be careful what you wish for as the saying goes …
Report Post »grandmaof5
Posted on October 11, 2010 at 7:08pmProbably their way of getting an isolated group on buses so they can hand out all their “false” voter cards, social security cards and licenses. I’m sure Soros has no problem getting some made up in Brazil. I would keep both eyes on their “ball”.
Report Post »Beltfeed
Posted on October 11, 2010 at 5:48pmSound like they are showing their true colors.
Report Post »angrymob
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 1:51amYeah…green with envy! Liberals couldn’t the capital square much less a room.
Report Post »halfbrain
Posted on October 11, 2010 at 5:42pmthere will be more people there than 8/29.
Report Post »5000YRLEAPER
Posted on October 11, 2010 at 6:10pmGood one. There already is more people on this comment page than there were on 8/29; don’t need a satalite to let us know that.
Report Post »troyvar
Posted on October 11, 2010 at 8:06pmIf the comedians (tongue in cheek) can get more participants than the commie, socialist, union expo of 10/2, we’ll all have a good laugh.
Report Post »Contrarian51
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 2:00amSo, with 100 buses, that means no one has to share?
Report Post »green_manalishi
Posted on October 11, 2010 at 5:40pmThis close to an election, I wonder if she is breaking any campaign fund donation laws?
Report Post »BoilitDown
Posted on October 11, 2010 at 5:37pmJudging from comments on other sites, I think Arianna is going to get some hate mail from Democrats who see the Stewart/Colbert rally trivializing the DNC’s positions. They also don’t like the blurring of the focus on campaigns.
Report Post »Of course, they are right the progessives have hijacked the DNC campaigns into a comedy event.
Resolved
Posted on October 11, 2010 at 5:35pmI have no words
Report Post »thesixfour
Posted on October 11, 2010 at 6:49pmI do – waste of time and money.
Report Post »rash1028
Posted on October 11, 2010 at 5:26pmShe must be taking clues from BO. I’m sure somehow this will end up with the Taxpayers bailing them out!
Report Post »CatB
Posted on October 11, 2010 at 5:41pmMore ASTRO TURF from the left! Do they get their free lunch too?
Report Post »Breaker 19
Posted on October 11, 2010 at 5:43pmEvery time I hear here I think of Green Acres…”New York is where I’d rather stay, I get allergic smelling Hay, I just adore a penthouse view, darling I love you but give park avenue”. da da da da da da da!
Report Post »Alvin691
Posted on October 11, 2010 at 6:38pm@BREAKER19 For your pleasure http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mbk81X6WHA4 :)
Report Post »solaveritas
Posted on October 11, 2010 at 6:58pmArianna is from Hollywood. The publicity helps her build the HP’s image as THE news source of the left. To her it is money well spent to expand her name brand.
But, that said, how does she expect to be respected as a news source when she PARTICIPATES in the politics of one of the parties? Oops, sorry, I forgot. They don’t care about impartiality!!
Report Post »Dustyluv
Posted on October 11, 2010 at 7:18pmI am going to reserve my seat…and just spend the whole time looking at the wierdos. It will be one less ignorant person to get there….mabe a little heckling? naaaaaaaaaaa
Report Post »vennoye
Posted on October 11, 2010 at 7:46pmThis really sounds George Soros backed to me!!
Report Post »KingArthurUp
Posted on October 11, 2010 at 8:15pmthere will be more busses than people.
Report Post »Areyoukiddingme
Posted on October 11, 2010 at 10:55pmI hope they all take it in the shorts with the cost of this event.
Report Post »Skip Gardner
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 12:59amClean up alone after the “event” will cost us all. Last crackpot “rally” was the commies, socialists…etc. This one is the far left. This should be an interesting view into the dark world. I predict costumes the like we rarely see at a circus ;-) Signs of every fringe “thought”. Personally, I’m Praying for rain ;-) Maybe a freak snow storm :-)
Report Post »Robert W
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 1:33amwho cares.
Report Post »thecommish58
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 6:40amIsn’t this in essence a donation to the Democatic National Committee and thereby an illegal contribution? This is what Obama “feared” when he denounced the Supreme Court ruling several months ago…
Report Post »ncmtnman
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 11:13amMaybe we should all call and reserve a seat, let’s see how much they are willing to spend!
Report Post »Rob_M
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 2:35amHow desperate are these people to one up Beck? That one nation thing had hundreds of organizations with millions of memebers and even with forced attendance they failed. Their egos won’t allow them to believe that this “Crazy Person” could achieve something “The Just” can’t.
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