Jordan Birnbaum

But There IS No Rehab For Political Junkies...

Aug 14, 2013

AM
Stage· 204 messages
Aug 14, 2013

She's worked for Real Time with Bill Maher, The Huffington Post, and now MSNBC. She learns more by 4 AM than I do all day. Allison MacDonald knows what it means to be a political junkie. So let's try to find out what she knows and we don't, shall we?

Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:00 PM

Allison, I presume?
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:00 PM

Hi!
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:01 PM

Hi I'm so happy you made! And a big hello to everyone in the audience.
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:01 PM

I'm glad you guys aren't simply creatures of the night
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:01 PM

So to get started, Allison, why don't we provide a little background on you professionally?
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:02 PM

Oh suure
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:02 PM

I am a producer at msnbc in New York, where I've been working for about 6 months. Before ms, I was at Huffington Post for a short bit and before that, I was working for Bill Maher for 3 years, doing research.
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:03 PM

So in other words, I'm a huge conservative.
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:03 PM

So it's fair to say you have had a great deal of insight into the world of political media
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:04 PM

Which leads me to my first question. What do you think constitutes the gap between what political coverage ought to be vs. what it is?
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:04 PM

Well, I think a lot of that has to do with the fact that the news is now a 24-hour machine.
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:05 PM

And therefore, the networks are competing for ratings.
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:05 PM

Which means that the Casey Anthony trial will get more play than it ought to.
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:06 PM

So back in the days of network broadcasting, wasn't providing the news an obligation in exchange for securing the broadcast rights?
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:06 PM

I also think (and this is only in terms of TV) that certain stories may be more important, but they aren't fit for TV.
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:06 PM

Haha, right. Or something traditional like that.
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:06 PM

But I guess I'm probably speaking too much about TV. But that's what I know.
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:07 PM

I feel the print outlets and a lot of the nightly news programs do a very good job covering what's important.
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:07 PM

I guess that leads to the question of what are ratings doing involved in news?
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:09 PM

★ Spotlighted from Rick Rosner

Watching the current crop of politicians is like watching a bad reality tv show.

Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:10 PM

agreed. I guess they make for good ratings.
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:10 PM

★ Spotlighted from Rachel McDonnell

oh my god! can't we get rid of reality t.v. yet?? ugh.

Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:10 PM

★ Spotlighted from Rick Rosner

I limit my reality tv watching to HGTV.

Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:11 PM

I'm afraid to admit to the reality television of which I avail myself.
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:12 PM

I have a bad feeling that Allison just lost Internet connection
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:12 PM

★ Spotlighted from Rachel McDonnell

isn't there a concern about what makes "good ratings" and "actual news" though? And why do you think certain things aren't suitable for the news on T.V.? I think that telling the truth on the news and T.V. is more important now than ever

Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:13 PM

I mean, tying rating to the provision of the news is the same as allowing money into politics.
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:13 PM

★ Spotlighted from Rachel McDonnell

Jordan - *gasp* say it isn't so! You watch Real housewives don't you? lol

Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:13 PM

Not THAT bad
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:13 PM

But Survivor? (maybe.)
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:14 PM

So I guess what I would advocate is a federally mandated provision for independent media
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:14 PM

that the broadcast companies would have to provide sufficient air time
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:14 PM

★ Spotlighted from Rebecca Westbrook Toker

Well, Rachel there was a lawsuit brought against a major network by the people who were trying to bring the rBGH story to the light, and the court found that networks aren't actually bound to report truth on the news.

Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:15 PM

That makes me think of the movie the Insider, when "industry" was able to get 60 Minutes to quash a story about the link between smoking and cancer.
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:16 PM

★ Spotlighted from Rebecca Westbrook Toker

@Jordan: Indeed. NPR is supposed to be that, but it gets too much public funding. I notice them being conspicuously quiet on big issues.

Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:16 PM

If we could be honest with ourselves about the most obvious conflicts of interest that exist around us, the majority of people's lives would improve enormously
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:17 PM

★ Spotlighted from Rachel McDonnell

exactly one thing shouldn't have anything to do with the other... which is why investigative journalism is not pretty much outlawed

AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:17 PM

I'm back. Sorry. Internet problems.
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:17 PM

ahh - that's what we figured
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:17 PM

fortunately the audience filled in pretty nicely
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:17 PM

Give me a second to catch up here
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:18 PM

it's OK - we'll start fresh!
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:18 PM

We were talking about how the ratings affect the news
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:18 PM

Do you think that in the industry there is an acceptance of this as a necessary reality, or do people find it distasteful and something to be shed?
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:19 PM

Well, yes and no.
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:19 PM

★ Spotlighted from Trey Williamson

Allison, you're back! We were all so worried about you!

AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:20 PM

I think some shows, and I won't name them, focus more on stories that are less important and easier to talk about and get the audience to watch
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:20 PM

i.e. Anthony Weiner
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:20 PM

And I think there is certainly pressure at msnbc because we think of ourselves as different than CNN and Fox in terms of what we cover.
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:21 PM

But we still need people to watch us in a non-election year.
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:21 PM

★ Spotlighted from ed goldsmith

The only thing worth while on TV is c-span ! The audience gets to watch and listen to speakers and then make up their own opinions! We then turn to other channels that have their own agendas and begin to spin what was on c-span...

AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:21 PM

C-SPAN is amazing.
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:21 PM

Of course, 100% of what is broadcast on C-Span is BS, but at least it's unfiltered...
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:22 PM

I mean that which emerges from the people who spek on C-SPAN, AKA the elected officials.
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:22 PM

speak
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:23 PM

OK Allison, so Bill Maher, Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert...it's been talked about before, but why do you think comedians have taken such a large role in political coverage
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:23 PM

★ Spotlighted from Rebecca Westbrook Toker

MSNBC is different. Quality is above and beyond what is seen on most other networks. :)

Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:24 PM

shout out to MSNBC, although they take it a little too easy on Obama, in my humble opinion. (When's the last time someone actually typed that out?)
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:25 PM

think Allison has gone down again.
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:25 PM

Haha
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:25 PM

I am back. Sorry, I think my bandwidth is losing steam
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:25 PM

First, I was going to say C-SPAN is publicly funded, no?
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:26 PM

I'm not sure - maybe a friend in the audience can google for us?
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:26 PM

Ha, yes
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:26 PM

On the comedy thing
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:26 PM

I think news comedy is more popular because it's just so damn good right now.
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:27 PM

It wasn't always this good. The Brits were always better at it than we were
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:27 PM

So do you think that because these guys are such clever writers people don't need the news like they used to?
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:27 PM

★ Spotlighted from Rachel McDonnell

it reminds me of the days of the courts, kings and queens.. the jesters were the ones who knew everything that went on and everyone knew to ask the jester when others were being dishonest

Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:28 PM

My point being that back in the day, when Leny Bruce was having his life destroyed for political comedy...
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:28 PM

people were more reliant on the news to get info. But now, why bother with Dan Rather when you can have Bill Maher?
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:29 PM

No offense to Dan Rather, who I respect very much, BTW
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:29 PM

★ Spotlighted from ed goldsmith

It is the ultimate reality tv...non filtered as you said...and so funny to see I congressman or senator talking to an EMPTY room!

AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:29 PM

I also think that everything HAS to have entertainment value now.
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:29 PM

I don't think it was always like that.
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:29 PM

★ Spotlighted from ed goldsmith

I agree totally with you JB I think it's a farce but at least we see the actual people that are supposedly representing us and then get to hear the BS they are trying to spin themselves

Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:30 PM

Now, do you think the media should be playing a role in trying to point out the reality behind this political farce, or simply to cover it?
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:30 PM

Between what political farse? Which one
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:31 PM

I mean, the way the media simply covered the lead up into the War In Iraq, repeating the bullet points provided to it, instead of reporting on the facts that disputed the information they were given
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:31 PM

as one example
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:32 PM

Right. I think the biggest thing missing here is real, hard reporting
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:32 PM

Which is very expensive, unfortunately
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:32 PM

There's certainly not enough real reporting. Although there was in Iraq.
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:33 PM

But the reporting was only widely broadcast after we were there for several years
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:33 PM

The media played into the whole "Mission Accomplished" thing pretty aggressively
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:34 PM

So here's an interesting media question of the day - what do you think about the Hillary Clinton documentaries being considered on various networks?
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:34 PM

The Republican Party is freaking out in that it serves as some kind of endorsement.
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:34 PM

Do they have a point?
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:35 PM

I mean, it's not in my nature to consider whether a Republican has a point...
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:36 PM

But in this case, I think I would find it offensive if say Fox News broadcast a flattering 2 hour documentary on Marco Rubio
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:36 PM

Haha
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:36 PM

Well, I can't speak much to the NBC part of it
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:37 PM

So as not to get fired
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:37 PM

lol - sorry - that's a good point
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:37 PM

But the Hillary thing is interesting
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:37 PM

And the Clintons in general
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:37 PM

I feel they haven't had a tough interview in quite a long time, from either side of the media aisle.
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:38 PM

Do you think that having your job provides a different perspective on politics in the US?
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:38 PM

Yes
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:38 PM

how?
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:38 PM

But only because it's my job to know what is happening
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:38 PM

Most people don't have the time to understand the ins-and-outs of Congress, or read every op-ed on Stop and Frisk
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:39 PM

But it's what I get paid to do, so I learn a lot
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:39 PM

Lucky
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:39 PM

And that definitely informs my opinions.
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:39 PM

Or at least, I hope it does
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:39 PM

So when you become more informed, what are some general trends you see across the board?
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:39 PM

But I'm feeling very cynical about politics these days
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:40 PM

It depresses me that Congress can't get anything done
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:40 PM

The Voting Rights Act, for example
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:40 PM

Because of the Supreme Court ruling it's up to Congress to act on this.
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:41 PM

And they won't. Even though John Lewis, who had his head bashed in during a civil rights protest that led to VRA, is a sitting member of Congress
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:41 PM

It's shameful.
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:41 PM

To what extent do you think the "will of the people" is considered in Congress?
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:41 PM

The "will of the people" in my opinion, is the "will of the people who can pay"
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:41 PM

Every political problem comes back to that: the corrosive role of money in politics
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:42 PM

Don't you think?
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:42 PM

The will of the people and the interest of the people is blocked by special interests
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:42 PM

Yes. but I wonder whether Citizens United is the cause or simply another development in a long line of corruption since our founding.
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:42 PM

I think the latter
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:43 PM

Sadly, me too.
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:43 PM

Lobbying and special interests have been around for a long time
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:43 PM

Especially when I think about "A People's History" by Zinn.
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:44 PM

So to what extent do you think that solutions exist for our problems but are simply unknown?
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:44 PM

Give me an example
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:45 PM

Too-big-to-fail. Obamacare. The Drug War.
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:45 PM

On all three, I am optimistic that there is a solution
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:45 PM

But policy is complex
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:45 PM

And it takes time, and unfortunately failure
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:45 PM

But I think the political system that is responsible for enacting these laws is too flawed for solutions to be plausible, I guess
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:46 PM

What do you think?
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:46 PM

Well, the good news is that we have accumulated sufficient amounts of failure to meet your criteria
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:46 PM

I think policy can come very close to solving our problems
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:46 PM

Haha
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:46 PM

Look at Social Security, for example
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:46 PM

Yes, I think there are simple solutions to all 3, and to almost all problems in the world.
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:46 PM

except human nature.
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:47 PM

Social security?
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:47 PM

Well, social security was enacted because old people were poor
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:47 PM

right?
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:47 PM

And now, a lot less old people live in poverty
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:47 PM

yes, that's part of it
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:47 PM

So that is a political solution
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:47 PM

It was.
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:47 PM

agreed.
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:48 PM

But I think compromise was possible then
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:48 PM

are there any issues about which you feel very passionate about a particular solution?
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:48 PM

That's a very good question.
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:49 PM

I believe in publicly financed elections.
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:49 PM

I believe that is a solution to a lot of our problems
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:49 PM

pretty simple solution right there
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:49 PM

Right.
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:49 PM

You?
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:49 PM

Non-privatized prisons
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:50 PM

What do you think of Eric Holder's move yesterday on mandatory minimum sentences?
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:50 PM

I pretty much hate ALL conflicts of interest, because I know that human nature, including mine, is very easily corrupted.
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:50 PM

I think it is long overdue
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:50 PM

I think it's interesting that there's not a whole lot of opposition to it
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:51 PM

Like it's about time.
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:51 PM

Our prison population has increased by 800 percent (!!!!) since 1980
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:51 PM

Half of that is drug sentences
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:51 PM

Yes, but I fear the prison lobby is too powerful fopr even Holder and Obama.
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:52 PM

★ Spotlighted from Rachel McDonnell

YES! non-privatized prisons and money out of politics would solve SO MUCH

Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:52 PM

★ Spotlighted from Rebecca Westbrook Toker

I always get frustrated with the pace of policy. I always drop any attempt to effect change at the top and drop down to the bottom and get to work. At least I see something happening!

Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:52 PM

OK, Allison. to what extent is your constant awareness of global happenings a drag on you emotionally? Does it ever get you down? Would you disconnect if you could?
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:53 PM

Haha YES!!
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:53 PM

I wrote a segment on fetal pain today
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:53 PM

I was writing it at 6am
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:53 PM

Feeling quite depressed
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:53 PM

It's basically the scientific theory (that has been debunked) behind the 20-week abortion bans popping up everywhere in the country
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:54 PM

gross. do you think that sometimes people remain unaware because they don't want to feel depressed?
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:54 PM

It's possible
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:54 PM

Although I don't understand it
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:54 PM

People who don't read the news
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:55 PM

I think it probably makes me annoying to be around. Like when I drink, I usually just argue with strangers about politics, which I'm sure gets annoying
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:55 PM

I feel the exact same way. Like, I wish I could think about something else....I just can't.
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:55 PM

★ Spotlighted from Rachel McDonnell

@ Allison me and you would get along great! I do that all the time! lol

AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:56 PM

I got into a fight with a financial services lobbyist at Buzzfeed's Anthony Weiner event on Monday night
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:56 PM

We fought about Glass-Steagall
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:56 PM

Rachel - that's awesome. I'm sure you're nicer than I am.
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:56 PM

★ Spotlighted from Rebecca Westbrook Toker

I agree, Rick - the information has been there! However, do you think that broadcast reflects enough momentum to override prison lobby power?

Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:56 PM

★ Spotlighted from Rebecca Westbrook Toker

Rick - that I am sure of - public opinion is clear. BUT WHAT ABOUT POLICY?

Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:57 PM

All righty, we're coming up on an hour, which means it's time to go out on a note of optimism.
AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:57 PM

Nice!
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:58 PM

Allison - name something about the media or politics that gives you reason for optimism. (Holder's new stance on minimum sentencing is no longer an option!)
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:58 PM

★ Spotlighted from Rick Rosner

But if so, isn't it bullshit that the President needs Sanjay Gupta to make a push?

AM

Allison MacDonald · 7:59 PM

Elizabeth Warren
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:59 PM

What a GREAT answer!
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 7:59 PM

Here's a good question - of all the guests you ever met on RT, who was as wonderful as you hoped they'd be?
AM

Allison MacDonald · 8:00 PM

Oh
AM

Allison MacDonald · 8:00 PM

Let me think: Cornel West
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 8:00 PM

★ Spotlighted from Rachel McDonnell

i say tawkers take over this country.. I think we got a pretty good handle on things.. unlike apparently most of the people who we entrust to govern us

Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 8:01 PM

another great answer.
AM

Allison MacDonald · 8:01 PM

Thank you for the flattery.
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 8:01 PM

Allison - thank you so much! This was so much fun!
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 8:01 PM

Audience - love you guys!
AM

Allison MacDonald · 8:01 PM

Thank you !!! Jordan and audience
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 8:01 PM

★ Spotlighted from Rick Rosner

every revolution has a point of entry.

AM

Allison MacDonald · 8:01 PM

Sorry about the shady internet connection
AM

Allison MacDonald · 8:02 PM

Watch NOW with Alex Wagner at 12 pm
AM

Allison MacDonald · 8:02 PM

every day!
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 8:02 PM

Yes! Great show!!!
AM

Allison MacDonald · 8:02 PM

Haha
Jordan Birnbaum

Jordan Birnbaum · 8:02 PM

See everyone soon!