Media

Rep. Interrupts Immigration Hearing to Defend Fox News

Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX) believes Fox News was getting a bad rap during an immigration hearing on Capitol Hill Thursday. So he did his best to counteract that by taking time out to reveal some favorable study results to the network’s owner, and hearing witness, Rupert Murdoch.

Murdoch appeared on Capitol Hill Thursday to speak about immigration reform alongside New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. During Murdoch’s testimony, embattled Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA) began scolding Fox News and Murdoch for an anti-immigration stance, to which Murdoch replied, “We do not take any consistent anti-immigrant line,” and added that, “We are not anti-immigrant on Fox News.”

“I don’t see that promoted on Fox News — talking about anchor babies and all that,” Waters said shot back.*

Smith then stepped in with some statistics, which he wanted to be part of the record, that shows Fox has balanced coverage and that America trusts it as a news source:

According to the New York Daily News, earlier in the day Murdoch joined Bloomberg in calling for more immigration, pointing out that he himself is an immigrant from Australia.

“As an immigrant, I chose to live in America because it is one of the freest and most vibrant nations in the world. And as an immigrant, I feel an obligation to speak up for immigration policies that will keep America the most economically robust, creative and freedom-loving nation in the world,” he said according to CBS.

UPDATE:

Below is Murdoch’s opening statement:

*UPDATE II:

Mediate has a more complete account of Waters’s statement than the one originally quoted:

“Why are you here with a basically a decent proposal taking about the advantage immigrants to our economy but I don’t see that being promoted on Fox. As a matter of fact, I’m often times stunned by what I hear on Fox, particularly when you have hosts talking about “Anchor Babies” and all of that. Explain to me, whats the difference in your being here and and what you do not do with your media networks?”

Comments (205)

  • Jamestown
    Posted on September 30, 2010 at 2:48pm

    FYI ..When Jesus Returns …His Work Will Be Jidgement…Period…water into wine was a metaphor..a miracle on high…most dip sticks…..think its party time…but they never “axed” enough questions
    …WHAT DID NORMAN SING TO YOU…”PREPARE YOUR SELF…YOU KNOW ITS A MUST…YOU BETTER HAVE A FRIEND NAMED JESUS”

    Report Post » Jamestown  
  • aircraftmag
    Posted on September 30, 2010 at 2:47pm

    LEGAL IMMIGRATION is a good thing, ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION is not a good thing. If you want to come into this country, come legally and pay your taxes, it’s not a free ride.
    As to Maxinne Waters….she should worry about her illegal activities!

    Report Post »  
  • THX-1138
    Posted on September 30, 2010 at 2:46pm

    Rational people are *so* boring.

    Wait a minute…

    Report Post » THX-1138  
  • rexriley
    Posted on September 30, 2010 at 2:43pm

    Excuse me but isn’t anyone shocked to see a U.S. Congresswoman scolding the head of an American news organization for not promoting a political agenda…. or did I just wake up in Venezuela?

    Report Post » rexriley  
    • ProdigalChild
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 7:46pm

      now that these progressive/commie/leftest/socialists/anti-colonials have come out of the preverbial floorboards, hearing their talking pts, is not shocking anymore. Disgusting ? yes- Reprehensible ?
      yes. Traitorious? absolutely. no longer shocking, just expected.

      read: D‘Sousa’s new book The Roots of Obama’s Rage. quite an eye-opener. Good info to know.

      Report Post »  
    • independentvoteril
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 11:04pm

      Exactly..NONE of us are against ILLEGAL immigration THEREFORE she actually TOLD him to promote ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION on FOX..The insistence of that form of propaganda is what brought CNN to their knees..I have ALREADY formed my opinion of ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS long before I started watching FOX news.. I form them living in CHICAGO and watching it turn into a cesspool, in once stable neighborhoods and the DEMOCRATS cater to them by not making them follow the same laws CITIZENS do.. I know illegals I know what they think and how they operate and that those so called ANCHOR babies ARE just that..they anchor the parents to FREE Healthcare for their offspring, WIC, FOOD STAMPS and CASH.. Since there are NO farms in Chicago guess one could say YES they are taking jobs from the AMERICAN people.. and YES those are jobs that AMERICAN’S were doing.. landscaping, construction, cooks, maids.. etc.. BTW I am curious what IMMIGRANTS is MURDOCK hiring?? Since these people can‘t tell the difference between LEGAL and ILLEGAL and POLITICIAN’S have an allergy to the truth besides a brain block which makes them incapable know the definition of illegal vs legal.. therefore everyone has to be PC for the less intelligent I am now curious about Murdock.. and his definition..

      Report Post » independentvoteril  
  • Meadhh
    Posted on September 30, 2010 at 2:42pm

    Fox News does rock!!!! The left really has tried to demonize and mislead the country. It is too bad Obama has no clue to the facts that people will follow truth NOT LIES!!!!!

    Report Post »  
  • veritas51322
    Posted on September 30, 2010 at 2:37pm

    God bless Fox News and God bless Rupert Murdoch!

    Report Post »  
  • ProudConservative1
    Posted on September 30, 2010 at 2:36pm

    Maxine Waters should be in jail with Rangel, Frank, and Dodd!

    Report Post »  
    • JD Carp
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 3:34pm

      So right! “I don’t want to be on Fox news…” Because I am afraid of the truth?

      Report Post » JD Carp  
  • jrcess
    Posted on September 30, 2010 at 2:32pm

    Maxine Waters, now there is an upstanding example, her along with Revernd Al. An at-a-boy for Lamar Smith, a good Texas Rep. Fox news Rocks.

    Report Post »  
  • Jamestown
    Posted on September 30, 2010 at 2:32pm

    RUPERT SHOULD BE ON MOUNT RUSHMORE…RIGHT AFTER QE BLOW UP ROOSEVELT…fox news…minus SHIPWRECKSMITH IS THE MOST ACCURATE NEWS SOURCE ON PLANET EARTH

    Report Post » Jamestown  
  • AChristian
    Posted on September 30, 2010 at 2:32pm

    I call B.S. on those that say it is not possible to deport 11 million Ilegal immigrants. Without our borders being 100% secure it is impractical, unaffordable, & impossible. They just make a u-turn and come back. Again, & Again, & Again. That IS too costly & ineffective. A one way ticket back to where they came from is a permanent deterrent if:

    By securing the borders FIRST, the Ilegals can then be sent packing, and will not be able to get back across our secure borders. Every deported Ilegal saves taxpayer $$ & is one Ilegal closer to solving the problem, permanently. DUH! Problem Solved. And it doesn’t take a Harvard grad to figure that out.
    How Stupid are those running our Government? Please, no one answer, that was a Rhetorical Question.

    Report Post »  
    • gbowjr
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 4:03pm

      A while back Ihad heard a Democrat say that it would take a total of $450 billion over 10 years to deport the 12 million illegal immigrants in this country. Now that is a stimuluous bill I could get behind given that we have spent $800 billion to stimulate the oeconomy – NOT. They also ask “How do we deport 12 million illegal immigrants?“ The simple answer is ”ONE AT A TIME”

      Report Post »  
    • MissCherryJones
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 4:49pm

      Well, they would have to actually do something that makes sense and is good for this country. But instead, they’d rather do things like post signs in Arizona, warning American citizens not to go into certain areas of American because of human and drug smuggling is going on. And then suing Arizona for trying to enforce what is basically the federal law on illegal immigration. I can’t wrap my head around it.

      Report Post »  
  • GadsdenGurl
    Posted on September 30, 2010 at 2:31pm

    Murdoch is a big globalist so it’s no wonder he wants the cheap labor of illegals…… and to erase our borders.

    GadsdenGurl  
    • LadybugsTX
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 2:41pm

      Huh? I’m beginning to wonder about these lefties. She post this and I’m thinking, did she even hear one word of what Murdoch said? She couldn’t have and posted this post. Which then makes me question why she even bothered to comment at all if she was going to end up looking like a fool. And then I wonder, does she have some sort of comment bot on her computer that just posts the same one liners based on tags in the article? Obviously there was no mental reasoning applied here, so I don’t know. What do you guys think? Idiot or bot?

      Report Post » IMPEACH GEORGE SOROS!!  
    • Bob_R_OathKeeper
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 3:44pm

      GASDENGURL = Idiot troll, slither back to your rock. Semper Fi.

      Report Post » Bob_R_OathKeeper  
    • firecracker
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 4:08pm

      Bot

      Report Post » firecracker  
    • USMCRETIRED2001
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 10:03pm

      Keep drinking the Kool Aid, the facts, once again, get in the way of your rhetoric .. they are waiting for you over at the Daily kos or Huffington Puffington post.

      Report Post » USMCRETIRED2001  
  • emqcrcu
    Posted on September 30, 2010 at 2:30pm

    To Lamar Smith~~~ Honorable! I stand and applaud you, sir! Oh, that we had more like you representing us. GOD BLESS AND PROTECT IJPN, AMEN!!!

    Report Post »  
  • Jamestown
    Posted on September 30, 2010 at 2:29pm

    Conservatives love immigration….LEGAL….not illegal…its that simple….illegal with their false ss number …no country wats tou…just coward corporations that hide truth andhie slime to keep them out of court rooms

    Report Post » Jamestown  
  • lainab
    Posted on September 30, 2010 at 2:28pm

    I love it how a respectable businessman like Mr. Murdoch must be defended while at the hearing, but Colbert the clown is INVITED and allowed to remain after such a ridiculous display. I feel like I live in some kind of Bizzaro world…

    Report Post »  
    • SheriS
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 4:13pm

      Isn’t the woman who is acting as Chairwoman, the same woman that brought Colbert to embarrass the committee with his comedy stupidity?

      Report Post »  
    • jerry1945
      Posted on October 1, 2010 at 11:45am

      She is not the acting chairwoman,she is the chairwoman. Rep. Zoe Lofgren from California. And yes, she is the one who invited Colbert and said he was great. Colberts testimony cost the taxpayer $125,000 /hour.

      Report Post »  
  • donfield
    Posted on September 30, 2010 at 2:28pm

    Rep Waters shows her socialist tendencies. She can’t understand how Mr. Murdoch can’t use his power to indoctrinate the masses with his view. She also missed that he never said ILLEGAL aliens should automatically be made citizens. In her world, those with power use it to make others bow to their idealogy. How can the Libs take Murdoch agreeing with Blumberg on anything?

    Report Post » donfield  
    • ProdigalChild
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 7:39pm

      maxine waters shows her profound ignorance every time she opens that mouth of hers. these people are so impressed with themselves: they believe everyone sees them as they see themselves. they are nothing more than satan’s morons.

      Report Post »  
  • MrButcher
    Posted on September 30, 2010 at 2:28pm

    Maxine Waters is an idiot.

    Report Post » MrButcher  
  • M633
    Posted on September 30, 2010 at 2:27pm

    In the 2nd video there is “Think Progress” in the upper right corner. What is that?

    Report Post »  
    • LadybugsTX
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 2:35pm

      It’s the new Government slogan. I expect it to replace “In God We Trust” anyday now.

      Report Post » IMPEACH GEORGE SOROS!!  
  • Sandy
    Posted on September 30, 2010 at 2:26pm

    Maxine Waters has NO ROOM to be speaking of contradictions. I guess that could also be, ‘don’t throw stones when you live in a glass house’. She couldn’t even finish her statement of, “This liberal is all about soci……, um, um, taking control…..” Fox is balance and the put out the facts to show the truth. Waters, hop on your broom and go back to California.

    Report Post » Sandy  
    • veritas51322
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 2:44pm

      Keep talking Maxine! You are only exposing the left bias in the media and their agenda. This reminds me of when our children were small and they couldn‘t keep a secret about what was inside someone’s Christmas or birthday gift. She is telling everyone what’s inside the wrappings of networks. What appears to be honest journalism packages on the surface are really propaganda agenda -driven machines wrapped up in pretty technology.

      Report Post »  
    • BJH
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 2:47pm

      Old Maxine Waters doesn’t know the meaning of illegal. Why else is she being investigated by the ethics committee?

      Report Post »  
  • joseph Fawcett
    Posted on September 30, 2010 at 2:25pm

    It seems like the Goverment just can’t stand being exposed. It would not be a problem being exposed if what you did was right and protected the country. It makes Fox look even better in my opinion. I will support Fox as long as I can trust them. if they start doing and saying things that I can’t trust I will look elsewhere.

    Hope you have a chance to take a peek at my personal website, http://www.josephfawcettart.com. I am a struggling new western artist and could use the exposure. Hope you enjoy my work, thanks

    Report Post » joseph Fawcett  
    • pap pap
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 2:34pm

      Very nice work Joseph

      Report Post »  
    • Sssipad
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 3:54pm

      You are VERY good -you should be very successful!

      Report Post »  
    • copper
      Posted on October 1, 2010 at 3:26am

      I did enjoy your work, horses in action are difficult to capture. My favorite medium is graphite also.

      Report Post »  
  • ProudImmigrant
    Posted on September 30, 2010 at 2:15pm

    What can the progressive not understand about this? Most conservatives are pro legal immigration. We are just against illegal immigration. It seems simple enough to me. I guess I dont have a progressive mind.

    Report Post » ProudImmigrant  
    • jplundberg
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 2:27pm

      They just don’t get it do they? Legal Immigragion: Good. Illegal Immigration: Bad. It sounds simple to me.

      Report Post »  
    • El Paco
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 2:32pm

      But, illegal immigrants = votes for their side.

      Report Post » El Paco  
    • horta
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 2:38pm

      The libs never use the word illegal they just say immigration. It’s just propaganda for the illeagls already here, so that when they get driven to the polls they know what “letter” is on their side Maybe that’s one of the reasons for the website and logo changes. I‘m amazed that the illegals don’t realize that they are being made the slave class to the dems.

      Report Post »  
    • Trance
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 3:49pm

      I think Waters also doesn‘t understand that Fox News isn’t in the business of pushing Rupert Murdoch’s point of view. In fact, I don’t know if any of the commentators on Fox News are there to push anything other than their own point of view.

      Report Post » Trance  
  • Ellie
    Posted on September 30, 2010 at 2:13pm

    Ohhhh… that must have hurt. Now that knowledge about Fox news is part of the U.S. National Archives. 100 years from now when students learn about the demise of Socialism the role Fox News has played will be indisputable.

    Report Post » Ellie  
    • SnapTie
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 2:20pm

      We can only hope you are right.

      Report Post » SnapTie  
    • Lesterp
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 2:28pm

      It will be erased from history just like everything else the left doesn’t want people to find out!

      Report Post » Lesterp  
    • LasVegas Lady
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 5:50pm

      Ms Waters doesn’t want to be heard by a majority of the folks? She doesn’t want to be on the most trusted news station in America? Mr Murdock gave her a bully pulpit and she refused! What?! She obviously doesn’t watch Fox News. She just listens to what her far left friends say about Fox News. If she listened to Fox News she might have a different opinion. Sad, so sad. Come on Maxine…I dare you!

      Report Post »  
    • sabichan
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 6:06pm

      @Trance:

      That’s the worst part about hearing this whole diatribe from Maxine Waters. She wants Rupert Murdoch to step in to a news source and tell them to put a spin on the news so that it shows what he wants it to be. She doesn‘t get that that’s why the MSM is failing to Fox News.

      In other words, use your news sources, Fox News and the WSJ to push an agenda.

      Report Post »  
  • NHABE64
    Posted on September 30, 2010 at 2:07pm

    Way to go!! FOX NEWS Rocks!! Sorry MSNBC, and all you other bunch of left wing liberal people who seem to have sold your soul to get next to the ONE. Tsk! Tsk! Bad choice boys..

     
    • wOOD
      Posted on October 1, 2010 at 8:03am

      Some of our elected representatives in congress and in the senate seem to have a problem distinguishing between immigation and ILLEGAL immigration. I find this ironic since both houses of government write the laws that govern our country. Any law is as good or bad as the enforcement of such law. Immigration laws already established are not being enforced on the federal level, to the contrary, non-complience to such laws is encouraged.

       
  • Bob_R_OathKeeper
    Posted on September 30, 2010 at 2:06pm

    Facts infuriate the left idiots to the point it is palpable and I love it. Semper Fi.

    Bob_R_OathKeeper  
    • wingedwolf
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 2:32pm

      I know, isn’t it absolutely delicious to see them watch their own actions and hear their own words and turn purple with an apoplectic fit? Then they start with the demolibersocialcommie double talk which they tell everyone else they’re just not smart enough to understand….that’s the language they write their bills in! LOL

      wingedwolf  
    • SheriS
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 4:09pm

      To me, many of the people commenting on these articles are far smarter then the imbeciles now serving in Congress–guess that doesn’t speak well of the voters who just vote for those they are told to vote for, instead of doing some investigation into what the candidates really stand for by their previous votes! Pretty scary to me!

       
    • rybur
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 6:01pm

      Wish more people paid attention to their history as well. People need to quit voting for the first name on the ballot and whatever their raised as for that reason. MAKE EDUCATED DECISIONS!!!! Don’t let these idiots into office like Pelosi.

       
    • USMCRETIRED2001
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 10:01pm

      Truth and Facts get in the way of their ideology, how dare they utter statistics to a panel who obviously has a Political agenda and intention to Bash FOX news. Would be interesting to find out if they ever watched Fox for more than 2 mins.
      On the issue of “anchor babies”, they should have to go through the same process as anyone else. Becoming an American Citizen is a privilege, not a right of birth bestowed upon the children of illegals. I would think most believe that immigrants, legal immigrants are an important part of our society, our culture, provided they are wanting to assimilate and become part of it.

      USMCRETIRED2001  
  • Butterfly2012
    Posted on September 30, 2010 at 2:04pm

    Bravo! FINALLY something smart this week!

    Report Post »  
    • grandmommie
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 3:44pm

      Amen to onecitizedoftherepublic……….wish I could speak that well!

       
    • SheriS
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 4:05pm

      If you don’t like what you see or hear on this site, then why do you choose to be here–is it because you feel the need to comment just to see your words in print instead of adding something to the discussion?

       
  • Contrarianthinker
    Posted on September 30, 2010 at 2:03pm

    Don’t use scientific research to offset pure lies and emotion. That’s totally unfair. Shame on you. (grin)

     
    • caitlynsdad
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 2:08pm

      That’s right, because those statistics were manipulated by Andrew Breitbart and Scott Rasmussen! ;)

      caitlynsdad  
    • WAbrewer
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 2:16pm

      Just goes to show the right is about truth and facts and reality.. While the left is about lies, slander, deceit, deception, and a non existent impossible utopia…

       
    • RightWrite
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 2:29pm

      Once again the Leftist progressives in congress believe what they hear form the MSM rather than listen to Fox News for themselves. Only the ignorant would blame Fox of being hateful and anti immigration. Illegal is criminal — document and pay taxes, then get in line, follow the rules.

      Report Post » RightWrite  
    • LadybugsTX
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 2:32pm

      Silly cow. She obviously is unable or unwilling to descern the difference between immigration and ILLEGAL immigration. I have seen liberals on Fox unable to do it either which means Fox is fair and balanced. They opt to show both sides of the debate which promotes discussion.

      Report Post » IMPEACH GEORGE SOROS!!  
    • OneCitizenOfTheRepublic
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 3:25pm

      Just remember that there is much more to illegal immigration than just tax dollars. There is an even more important issue in my humble opinion…and that one is the intention of the immigrant. If they wish to become fully integrated into our culture, share in opportunites and responsibilities that have been created here only because of our historically proven ideals of limited goverment, hard work, individual accountability and responseability…then consider them for citizenship. If they are willing and accepting our values, culture, and beliefs about America…our core values and principles…then we should open our arms to them, for they will be an asset to our nation, just as the immigrants of the last 235 years have been. However, if they are only here to take our resources, our money, our social security and healthcare benefits because MEXICO refuses to care for its own…or if they are only here to bring drugs and crime to our nation, to bring illness and diseases and if they do not have needed job skills and the ability to be self-sufficient…then let them be stopped at the borders and prevented from bleeding us dry…

      It is easy to “deport” illegals without spending a dime. Just enforce our existing laws that fine those who hire them. Cut off all social services to those who are not citizens… These things will bring money into the system, not take money out. Repeal the 14th ammendment and end the fraud of anchor babies who are not American citizens but just here as an attempt to sidestep our existing immigration laws.

      OneCitizenOfTheRepublic  
    • Gigantopithecus
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 4:38pm

      What is Maxine doing questioning anyone – it is time for Maxine to start answering the questions.

       
    • staythecourse
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 7:00pm

      she wants Fox to buckle under and become part of the machine of Obama.

       
    • msnbciscomedy
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 8:26pm

      You can almost see the dishonesty and fear bubbling from Waters’ wig-laden head as she shuffles her papers and looks down her nose. Shouldn’t she be prepairing for her ethics hearings anyway?

       
    • inblack
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 9:33pm

      She is clueless.
      – Does she think that a news network is supposed to be the mouthpiece of the owner?
      – Does she think the news is supposed to promote her political agenda?
      – Does she think the news is just a propaganda machine?
      That’s not what news is.

      She is a communist just like the rest of the left and I suspect she doesn’t even know it.

       
    • Cemoto78
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 9:40pm

      Maxine, please, please, for the sake of all of us RETIRE already.

      Cemoto78  
    • Contrarianthinker
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 11:18pm

      One citizen, what a fair and IMO brilliant post. Please send it to Glenn Beck

      Report Post »  
    • Dave7
      Posted on October 1, 2010 at 1:01am

      Amazing how Waters gets on Murdoch about why he doesn’t let an agenda influence his news networks message. Hello!! News is not supposed to be influenced by agendas, lady! It‘s not supposed to pitch your politics that’s what’s wrong with the “main stream media”.

       
    • thecommish58
      Posted on October 1, 2010 at 7:01am

      Did anyone notice Conyers wandering around in back of Waters – I think he couldn’t find his seat…

      Waters is dumb as a rock – she missed the point being made time and again – she was implying that a media outlet has the responsibility to promote their (or a chosen) political agenda – yet she in the same statements condemns FOX for doing this…I guess it’s only acceptable to do it if it meets her idea of the correct agenda…these attempts of government officials to control the media should be attacked by all media outlets.

       
    • walkwithme1966
      Posted on October 1, 2010 at 8:56pm

      Actually the clip is rather funny! http://wp.me/pYLB7-9a

      Report Post » walkwithme1966  
    • sbish
      Posted on October 1, 2010 at 9:41pm

      Inblack, you are exactly correct. For her to think any news organization has the responsiblity to promote a given piece of legislation or talking point for Obama, Bush whoever… is downright ignorant. Progressives don’t like the kind of debate you find on FNC because in the Progressive mind, they have all of the answers figured out, so what is there to debate? Their attitude is, “Just tow that Progressive line and leave the ‘deep thinking’ to us.”

      The Progressive mind is an amazing amalgamation of hypocricy and arrogance, which makes it ohhh so very hard for “normal” people who actually have any ability for critical thinking to take them seriously.

      sbish  

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