Schmucky Like The Wolf



As you know, Lomblog has never been afraid to take on major figures in the establishment press. We were, for instance, one of the first blogs to expose the family connections that may have aided Access: Hollywood anchor Billy Bush. Which is why we were pleased when the liberal media watchdog site Media Matters zeroed in on some comments by CNN's Wolf Blitzer. It's about time someone picked up our slack.

During coverage of the Pope's funeral, Blitzer opened one segment with this:

BLITZER: -- U.S. Catholics are a diverse group, as illustrated by two of our Crossfire co-hosts, the conservative Robert Novak, the liberal Paul Begala. Both good Catholics -- I don't know "good" Catholics, but both Catholics. I'm sure Bob is a good Catholic, I'm not so sure about Paul Begala.

This drew a sharp response from Begala:

BEGALA: Well, now, who are you to pass moral judgment on my religion, Mr. Blitzer? My goodness gracious.

BLITZER: So you are a good Catholic?

BEGALA: I'm serious, that annoys me. I don't think anybody should presume that a liberal is not a good Catholic.

BLITZER: I was certainly not questioning -- I was only teasing.

BEGALA: Okay.

BLITZER: Don't be so sensitive.

Sadly, this was not an isolated incident. As we poured over CNN transcripts, we learned that Mr. Blitzer has frequently performed on-air more like an office bore than a professional journalist.

Here's a prime example from another interview conducted that same day:

BLITZER: We have now a very special guest, Bishop Alexander Kowalchik of Poland. Bishop Kowalchik was actually mentored by Pope John Paul as a young priest, and he joins us live via satellite from Rome.

BISHOP KOWALCHIK: Hello, Wolf.

BLITZER: Hello, Bishop, and thank you for speaking to us. It must be quite moving for you to see the intense emotion surrounding the Pope's funeral.

BISHOP KOWALCHIK: Yes, Wolf. The sheer number of mourners, both average citizens and dignitaries, is overwhelming.

BLITZER: Certainly, Bishop. In fact, I believe I heard that this was the largest gathering of Catholic clergy in one place since the last time Hanson toured.

BISHOP KOWALCHIK: Huh?

JUDY WOODRUFF: Wolf! Hahahaha.

BLITZER: Nothing, Bishop. Just a little aside for our younger viewers.

Anyway, I figure it was quite emotional for you to see the Pope lying in state.

BISHOP KOWALCHIK: Yes, it was, Wolf. But I took a certain comfort knowing His Holiness is finally free of the pain and distress that troubled him in his final days. Pope John Paul is now resting peacefully in the arms of Heaven, under the watchful eye of the Blessed Mother. So while his physical form has departed us, his spirit is still very much alive.

BLITZER: That's interesting. I know, watching the Pope all week, I couldn't help but think of an old joke. Do you know it, Bishop?

BISHOP KOWALCHIK: Uh, I'm not sure.

BLITZER: How do you spot the Polish guy at a funeral home? Bishop?

BISHOP KOWALCHIK: Well....I'm not sure.

BLITZER: He's the one pounding on the lid of the casket, shouting "Let me out, I just wanted to lie down for a bit!"

JUDY WOODRUFF: Hahaha - oh Wolf!

BOB NOVAK: Hey O!

BISHOP KOWALCHIK: I'm not sure I find that appropriate.

BLITZER: Lighten up, Bishop. I'm sure the Pope would've laughed.

But on this topic, what would you say is the difference between burying an Italian pope and burying a Polish pope?

BISHOP KOWALCHIK: The difference? I really wouldn't say there is a difference. I think everyone in Rome was always well aware of John Paul's national origin. But he was beloved here as any of the Italian popes that preceded him.

BLITZER: That's interesting. See, I always heard the difference is, When you bury an Italian pope, all the good restaurants close for a day. But when you bury a Polish pope, the service improves.

BISHOP KOWALCHIK: What?

BLITZER: I'm Wolf Blitzer. You're watching CNN. We'll be right back.

E-mail Wolf Blitzer and ask him to stop being such a dick.