Radio Hijackers

Alright America, are you ready for another outrage? If you are any kind of conservative you need to be sitting up and paying attention, because this is truly ridiculous. Organizing for America is now encouraging people---progressives, uber-leftists, etc--- to call in to conservative radio talk shows with the intention of completely overwhelming them with left-wing talking points. Essentially, they want to hijack conservative talk shows for the sake of promoting “liberal” or “progressive” propaganda, particularly in the healthcare debate.

“The fate of health reform has been the focus of debate in living rooms and offices, on TV and online -- and on talk radio. And since millions of folks turn to talk radio as a trusted source of news and opinions, we need to make sure OFA supporters are calling in with a pro-reform message.” That is directly from the website, "On the Air." One could argue that President Obama has nothing to do with the website (though it bears his name in its url address) since Organizing for American is “a project of the Democratic National Committee…[and] this communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.” However, does anyone really believe that Obama is completely unaware? Do you really believe that our president is that ignorant that he is unaware of what OFA is doing in his name?

The website provides “OFA supporters” with tips for calling, as well as talking points. Callers are encouraged to share “a personal story about how health reform affects [the caller] and [his/her] family” as a “great way to show the importance and urgency of health reform.” The talking points, says the site, “are only to provide extra information and suggestions. Your personal story will make the most compelling message.”

Not only does this site encourage people to flood conservative shows with “a pro reform message,” but it gives them direct access. Step 1 displays the logo of a show currently on the air, with a link to a free web-radio. For some shows, there is even a “call for free” allowing you to call from your computer through Skype at no charge. Anybody else think this is ridiculous? “If you can’t get through, don’t worry!” say the calling tips. “If the show you call is busy or not accepting calls at the moment you call in, simply click ‘Give me another show’ to find another.”

When I first saw the site Sean Hannity’s show was on the front page as a target. After flipping through a few hours later (aka, hitting ‘give me another show’ repeatedly) I saw shows like Michael Medved, Glenn Beck, Dennis Miller, The Wall Street Journal This Morning, and of course, Focus on the Family. Seriously? Focus on the Family?

I also noticed several more liberal leaning shows on the hit list. Some would use that to argue that this proves the website is not an attempt to as I said, hijack conservative talk radio. On the contrary, I contend that it is simply camouflage. No one needs to call in to liberal shows to promote healthcare reform, as the liberal shows, generally, do it all on their own. The real targets here I the people I listed above. Michael Medved. Glenn Beck. Dennis Miller. Sean Hannity. Savage. Limbaugh. Focus on the Family. Actually, let’s throw the entire Moody Bible Institute’s radio productions in there for good measure.

Any way you slice it this is ridiculous. These people are calling shows they may not have even heard before, simply to push “a pro-reform message.” If the listeners of the conservative talk shows wanted to hear “a pro-reform message” they’d go watch MSNBC! It is one thing if you are a regular listener to a show, or happen to flip through the stations and hear something you want to challenge, and you then call in and pick a fight with the talk show host. Fine. However, if you’re calling in just to push talking points on me, then get off my radio!