Why, just two weeks into a 209-week term, assess a new American president’s record on so esoteric a subject as the Middle East and Islam? In Barack Obama’s case, because of: (1) A contradictory record: His background brims over with wild-eyed anti-Zionist radicals such as Ali Abunimah, Rashid Khalidi, and Edward Said, with Islamists, the Nation of Islam, and the Saddam Hussein regime; but since being elected he has made predominantly center-left appointments and his statements resemble those of his Oval Office predecessors. (2) The outsized role of the Middle East and Islam: His first fortnight in office witnessed an inaugural address that mentioned them prominently, a first diplomatic telephone call to Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority, the appointment of two high-profile envoys, and the first interview granted to Al-Arabiya television channel. Citeşte tot articolul → Obama, the Middle East and Islam – An Initial Assessment
UPDATED: Barack Obama’s latest speech on the economy commandeered primetime, displacing shows from the 9 p.m. hour with a highly viewed address. Obama’s talk to a joint session of Congress drew a 52.4 million viewers across cable and broadcast networks. That’s slightly more than Obama’s first presidential press conference from a couple of weeks ago. Among original entertainment programming at 8 p.m. (which is mostly accurate) CBS’ “NCIS” (17.9 million viewers, 3.7 preliminary adults 18-49 rating and 10 share) and NBC’s “The Biggest Loser” (9.7 million, 3.5/10) maintained their strength, while ABC saw a spike for “Homeland Security” (6.2 million, 1.9/5). At 9 p.m., CW aired the season finale of “Privileged” (1.6 million, 0.8/2).The soap was notably left off the network’s list of renewals yesterday and for good reason: it’s the lowest-rated drama on the network. The network likes the show, and so do critics, so there may be a chance of a renewal — but only if the network is unhappy with its fall pilots. The CW doesn’t program very many time periods and, all things being equal, would prefer to try something new. Citeşte tot articolul → Strong ratings for Obama speech
Jerry Seinfeld is reteaming with NBC to launch his first reality series. The comedian’s project is tentatively called “The Marriage Ref” and features celebrities, comedians and athletes who will judge couples in the midst of marital disputes while recommending various strategies to resolve their problems. Seinfeld is partnering with “The Oprah Winfrey Show” veteran Ellen Rakieten on the project, which reunites the comedian with the network that aired his hit sitcom “Seinfeld” for nine years. NBC co-chair Ben Silverman said Seinfeld pitched the show as a companion piece of sorts to his classic sitcom. The comedian increasingly has used married life for material in his stand-up act. So while being a bachelor inspired “Seinfeld,” the comedian’s married years will inspire his unscripted program. “Some of the greatest comedies in the history of television have been around marriages,” Silverman said. “The concept is so universal and accessible, and obviously it works so well when it comes from somebody with a point of view — and nobody has a stronger point of view on this subject than Seinfeld.” Citeşte tot articolul → NBC orders Jerry Seinfeld reality series
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