I hope everyone is as healthy and happy as can be expected during this pandemic holiday season. We've all had to make sacrifices and endure hardships large and small this year — my daughter studies internationally and I haven't seen her in eleven months, and probably won't see her for another six.
On this day of giving thanks, I wanted to share my deep gratitude to PRESS RUN readers. When I started this newsletter in February, I hoped there might be an audience for a lively, proudly liberal discussion about our media; those who want to hold the press accountable and seek a voice in our public debate.
Your response has been amazing and humbling. I'm thankful not only for the support, and especially for those who have purchased subscriptions to help sustain PRESS RUN, but also for the community that has formed here and the incredibly insightful conversations that regularly take place, as we've all spent 2020 hoping for the best.
So thank you all once again. For this thread, I'd be curious to hear what folks are especially appreciative of during this unique year.
Here’s one of my favorite Thanksgiving traditions — at noon, listening to Arlo Guthrie's "Alice's Restaurant" and his memorable tale of the "Massacree."
Now it all started two Thanksgivings ago, two years ago, on Thanksgiving, When my friend and I went up to visit Alice at the restaurant
But Alice doesn't live in the restaurant, she lives in the church nearby the Restaurant, in the bell tower with her husband Ray and Facha, the dog
I've said I'm thankful for The New York Times's investigative and national security reporters. Now that Charlie Savage has blown the story of the Flynn pardon by not mentioning #DisBarr's role in the previous republican president who had to pardon those who could implicate him in Iran-Contra, he's off the list. As for the political coverage, well, there's this ridiculousness: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/27/us/politics/susan-collins-senate-biden.html
I was more thankful yesterday for many more things but the excesses of the day have dulled my senses today. Still, I am very thankful for Press Run, Eric. When I read it I feel as if we are having a conversation because what you teach me here is verbalized toward TV and radio all day, every day. Enjoy your time off.
Well, I'm more grateful than I could ever indicate for the 31 years I had with the best and funniest and cleverest man in the world, before the cancer that ran rife in his father's family took him when he was only 68. I didn't deserve such a wonderful husband, but I never spent one boring moment in his company.
I am thankful for the Lord Jesus Christ and his sacrifice on the cross, my beautiful wife, and our wonderful children and grandchildren. I am also thankful for you and other journalists who have held truth to power in these challenging times. I am thankful for Joe Biden-for such a time as this.
And last, but not least, I am thankful for platypuses who, under a blacklight, glow in the dark.
I'm thankful to you for this great blog. I'm thankful for family (two-legged and four-legged), and friends, for reasonable health, for my job, for good things to read and listen to, for Jed Bartlet and the Butterball Hotline, and for 80 million Americans who did the right thing.
Eric, I am thankful for Press Run breathing some health into our lives, and I am thankful for my beloved Haiyun, who is in China for more months it seems. We spend time together every day on WcChat, which is a lifesaver.
Happy 2020 Thanksgiving to Eric and the Press Runners (which could be a great name for a Sha Na Na Tribute Band). I'm grateful for my health, for my job/working from home, Social Security and Medicare, my healthy family and friends (except for one friend who is battling CoVid but not hospitalized), all of the voters who battled a pandemic, numerous attempts to sabotage their right to vote and a media who treated it like a reality show to still show up in huge numbers to repudiate Trumpism, and this site for helping me to stay sane, and a delightful and insightful commenting community who uplifts and illuminates. Thank you all.
Thank you, Eric, for all of your thoughtful comments and your insights. I'm thankful to you, Michelangelo Signorile, and Stephanie Miller. You've kept me from going over the edge. I was so vastly devastated on the day after November 3, but your reality check helped sustain the light. I'm so grateful enough people used their brains and feet and made it to the polls to elect Joe Biden.
I'm grateful my children are all employed, have food on their tables, and a roof over their heads.
Thank you, FDR, for saving us from the Nazis and the Japanese Imperial forces. That's what happens when you deify one man. It just doesn't work. Also, the Social Security Act. A lifesaver for so many Americans.
Also, one day in 1969, I was working at a summer stock theatre in Cohasset, Mass., and Arlo Guthrie was appearing there on one of the Sunday afternoon music shows we held. My assignment was to drive to Boston and pick him up at the airport. I was 19, and the reason I was driving the old VW van we used was that I was the only apprentice who could drive a stick shift (most of the apprentices were from NY, where, apparently, no one drives). He couldn't have been nicer and such a cool guy. He didn't even cry out as I maneuvered the unwieldy van around rotaries and dodged traffic. Thank you for that music.
Being a man of the moment, I don't want to thank--i flat out throw caution to the wind and DO! thank Mr. B for Alice's Restaurant, which i haven't heard in decades. And just for the moment getting me past worrying about faithless electors, and fake news poison-drinking Better-Russian-Than-Democrat folks we're supposed to kiss up to, and fretting about how long is it going to take Uncle Joe to announce FULL Colonel Alexander Vindman as Secretary of Defense, and got me singing out loud--and in surprisingly good voice, too--"You can get anything you want at Alice's Restaurant" while just settin' here of a Thanksgiving Morning, in my skivvies, in my favorite arm chair, android in left hand, and hittin' high notes, too, well I'll be hornswaggled. And I'll be headin' into the rest if this day in mighty fine spirits. Happy to be a Press Run subscriber and grateful for being able to get anything you want from Alice's Restaurant so long as you keep on truckin', caring about others, staying informed, and voting.
1. Having an immediate and extended family that believes in science and thus far, has not gotten sick with covid.
2. Having my son at home. He was about to move out in March before California shut down and he lost his job.
3. Having my job and my health insurance.
4. Listening to you on TSMS and MS show on Sirius and being a paid subscriber to your writing. Your work is must-read to me. Plus, I really enjoy your musical contributions. You have broadened my musical horizons.
Eric. I am thankful for you voice in this dark time we are in this country. Your letters and interviews on radio and tv provide much needed facts and info during a time when so many make up their own. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. Adam G
I am thankful for so many things, most importantly that we were able to give our daughter and her 2 kids some place to land when she moved from TN back home to CA. It's a full house, but grateful that we have each other during these challenging times when our lives have become so much smaller.
I feel a bit of relief knowing that the depraved and deplorable immigration policies of this administration will soon be gone. I know Biden will be better and I'm willing to hold him accountable to right those wrongs.
I'm encouraged by the vaccine news, and hope that we can get back out into the world by next Autumn.
We also listen to Alice's Restaurant every year, it's such a classic, especially for those of us who had family subject to the whims of the draft boards.
I give thanks to you, Eric, for your honesty. I've heard you one Stephanie Miller Show for some years & glad to subscribe. I used to have that Arlo Guthrie album & LOVE this song.
Happy Thanksgiving Eric! You've helped me to keep my sanity from your days with Media Matters to Press Run. You've always been a voice of reason while the mainstream media has shirked their responsibilities as stewards of our democracy. Unfortunately the work is not done. Now that the malignant narcissist will be soon leaving the Oval Office, I'm sure the media will return to their normal Dems in Disarray narrative for the next four years. No rest for the weary.
Was directed to your site by Soledad O'Brien on Twitter and am glad I was! Happy to help support your efforts in keeping the press and electronic media honest.
I too am really grateful for this community. It keeps me sane. Thanks, Eric!
My family tradition was watching Planes, Trains and Automobiles. The scene with John Candy acting out Ray Charles’s “Mess Around” is priceless. My grandkids aren’t quite old enough for that movie so it’s Charlie Brown’s Thanksgiving for now which is OK too.
There are some good things that are happening as a result of this horrible pandemic. My grandkids appreciate school a lot more. They have actually done well with their online zoom schooling and have learned to be much more independent learners but they can’t wait to be back in class with all their friends. I recently heard that a lot of young people are now choosing to become doctors and nurses which is a big improvement over the best and brightest choosing careers in finance because they pay more.
We just watched Planes, Trains and Automobiles the other day to see if it was appropriate for the grandkids. They and their mom are living with us right now, and the good news is we think it's fine for them.
Mine are still pretty young. That hilarious scene with Evie McClure dropping f-bombs at the car rental desk is a bit much for now. When it used to be shown on television they would edit that part. It’s my husband’s favorite part. He travelled a lot for work so he can relate.
I am glad you said that. I need to put in on my calendar for next year to remind me to record it so we can watch it with the grandkids. I guarantee you would remember that scene if it had been left in as would your grandkids!
As a late comer to Press Run, so grateful for fact based observations of the press and culture as a whole, instructs my understanding of why Hillary beats Trump by 3 million votes and no one touts her as a future force on the political scene and Trump loses by more than 6 million and the Press touts him as a political force to be reckoned with for the foreseeable future.
That was the song that inspired me to learn the guitar. Always an entertaining listen. Thank you for your insights through this trying election season and year.
Yesterday's Australian blues song was really good too, I must say. Reminded me of a friend that I haven't seen in too long (due to COVID concerns, of course), so I passed the link on to him.
I too look forward to reading your articles daily and I appreciate how tedious (at least it was for me when I tried to post a daily blog) it is to do.
You are a boon of information that would otherwise, for most people, never get seen and by sharing them we all become (hopefully) part of the solution. Thanks.
Reading Press Run and the comments has become an important part of my day, almost every day. It is impossible not to feel a sense of community. I certainly feel it. Thank you to Eric and all of the people who care to comment.
Yours is one of my favorite Thanksgiving traditions too!
I must ask you to delete my full name at once. I did not choose to reveal it.
Thanks, my full name is gone.
I've said I'm thankful for The New York Times's investigative and national security reporters. Now that Charlie Savage has blown the story of the Flynn pardon by not mentioning #DisBarr's role in the previous republican president who had to pardon those who could implicate him in Iran-Contra, he's off the list. As for the political coverage, well, there's this ridiculousness: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/27/us/politics/susan-collins-senate-biden.html
Eric thank you for Press Run and for your wonderful critiques.
Food for thought mixed with a dash of common sense and musical treats in a newsletter?!
Who knew ? For me it's the best use of money I spend every month! Worth every penny.
Looking forward to more enjoyable moments with Press Run in 2021. Thank you again.
I was more thankful yesterday for many more things but the excesses of the day have dulled my senses today. Still, I am very thankful for Press Run, Eric. When I read it I feel as if we are having a conversation because what you teach me here is verbalized toward TV and radio all day, every day. Enjoy your time off.
Thanks for the regular doses of sanity...and inspiration Eric. May you have a long, long run.
And as for gratitude ..
Well, I'm more grateful than I could ever indicate for the 31 years I had with the best and funniest and cleverest man in the world, before the cancer that ran rife in his father's family took him when he was only 68. I didn't deserve such a wonderful husband, but I never spent one boring moment in his company.
Oh ERIC !! - Woody's boy ! Alice's Restaurant ! How you take me back ..
I am thankful for the Lord Jesus Christ and his sacrifice on the cross, my beautiful wife, and our wonderful children and grandchildren. I am also thankful for you and other journalists who have held truth to power in these challenging times. I am thankful for Joe Biden-for such a time as this.
And last, but not least, I am thankful for platypuses who, under a blacklight, glow in the dark.
I'm thankful to you for this great blog. I'm thankful for family (two-legged and four-legged), and friends, for reasonable health, for my job, for good things to read and listen to, for Jed Bartlet and the Butterball Hotline, and for 80 million Americans who did the right thing.
I just saw the Thanksgiving episode of “The West Wing.” 👍🏽
Eric, I am thankful for Press Run breathing some health into our lives, and I am thankful for my beloved Haiyun, who is in China for more months it seems. We spend time together every day on WcChat, which is a lifesaver.
Happy 2020 Thanksgiving to Eric and the Press Runners (which could be a great name for a Sha Na Na Tribute Band). I'm grateful for my health, for my job/working from home, Social Security and Medicare, my healthy family and friends (except for one friend who is battling CoVid but not hospitalized), all of the voters who battled a pandemic, numerous attempts to sabotage their right to vote and a media who treated it like a reality show to still show up in huge numbers to repudiate Trumpism, and this site for helping me to stay sane, and a delightful and insightful commenting community who uplifts and illuminates. Thank you all.
Happy 2020 Thanksgiving!
Thank you, Eric, for all of your thoughtful comments and your insights. I'm thankful to you, Michelangelo Signorile, and Stephanie Miller. You've kept me from going over the edge. I was so vastly devastated on the day after November 3, but your reality check helped sustain the light. I'm so grateful enough people used their brains and feet and made it to the polls to elect Joe Biden.
I'm grateful my children are all employed, have food on their tables, and a roof over their heads.
Thank you, FDR, for saving us from the Nazis and the Japanese Imperial forces. That's what happens when you deify one man. It just doesn't work. Also, the Social Security Act. A lifesaver for so many Americans.
Also, one day in 1969, I was working at a summer stock theatre in Cohasset, Mass., and Arlo Guthrie was appearing there on one of the Sunday afternoon music shows we held. My assignment was to drive to Boston and pick him up at the airport. I was 19, and the reason I was driving the old VW van we used was that I was the only apprentice who could drive a stick shift (most of the apprentices were from NY, where, apparently, no one drives). He couldn't have been nicer and such a cool guy. He didn't even cry out as I maneuvered the unwieldy van around rotaries and dodged traffic. Thank you for that music.
Being a man of the moment, I don't want to thank--i flat out throw caution to the wind and DO! thank Mr. B for Alice's Restaurant, which i haven't heard in decades. And just for the moment getting me past worrying about faithless electors, and fake news poison-drinking Better-Russian-Than-Democrat folks we're supposed to kiss up to, and fretting about how long is it going to take Uncle Joe to announce FULL Colonel Alexander Vindman as Secretary of Defense, and got me singing out loud--and in surprisingly good voice, too--"You can get anything you want at Alice's Restaurant" while just settin' here of a Thanksgiving Morning, in my skivvies, in my favorite arm chair, android in left hand, and hittin' high notes, too, well I'll be hornswaggled. And I'll be headin' into the rest if this day in mighty fine spirits. Happy to be a Press Run subscriber and grateful for being able to get anything you want from Alice's Restaurant so long as you keep on truckin', caring about others, staying informed, and voting.
Did I make myself clear?
la DAAAA dee dah.
R, Crumb ! Crikey, this is a thread of memories !! :)
I am thankful for many things this year, such as:
1. Having an immediate and extended family that believes in science and thus far, has not gotten sick with covid.
2. Having my son at home. He was about to move out in March before California shut down and he lost his job.
3. Having my job and my health insurance.
4. Listening to you on TSMS and MS show on Sirius and being a paid subscriber to your writing. Your work is must-read to me. Plus, I really enjoy your musical contributions. You have broadened my musical horizons.
much to be thankful for, indeed!
Eric. I am thankful for you voice in this dark time we are in this country. Your letters and interviews on radio and tv provide much needed facts and info during a time when so many make up their own. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. Adam G
I am thankful for so many things, most importantly that we were able to give our daughter and her 2 kids some place to land when she moved from TN back home to CA. It's a full house, but grateful that we have each other during these challenging times when our lives have become so much smaller.
I feel a bit of relief knowing that the depraved and deplorable immigration policies of this administration will soon be gone. I know Biden will be better and I'm willing to hold him accountable to right those wrongs.
I'm encouraged by the vaccine news, and hope that we can get back out into the world by next Autumn.
We also listen to Alice's Restaurant every year, it's such a classic, especially for those of us who had family subject to the whims of the draft boards.
I give thanks to you, Eric, for your honesty. I've heard you one Stephanie Miller Show for some years & glad to subscribe. I used to have that Arlo Guthrie album & LOVE this song.
isn’t it so so good? and thanks
Thank you for your honest assessment of our media. I always enjoy your analysis on the Michelangelo Signorile show. Happy Thanksgiving 🦃🍁🍽
🦃
Happy Thanksgiving Eric! You've helped me to keep my sanity from your days with Media Matters to Press Run. You've always been a voice of reason while the mainstream media has shirked their responsibilities as stewards of our democracy. Unfortunately the work is not done. Now that the malignant narcissist will be soon leaving the Oval Office, I'm sure the media will return to their normal Dems in Disarray narrative for the next four years. No rest for the weary.
Was directed to your site by Soledad O'Brien on Twitter and am glad I was! Happy to help support your efforts in keeping the press and electronic media honest.
Much appreciated and I do love Soledad’s bold voice re: media these days
Happy Thanksgiving everybody! I am so thankful for this community, and that 2020 is almost in the rear view mirror.
A True Delight! Thanks for that.
Thanks to Press Run for reassuring me that I'm not crazy. Happy Thanksgiving!
I told my daughter that the site has been doing that for me. She said it was far too late....Nothing like family for feeling the love. 😀
I too am really grateful for this community. It keeps me sane. Thanks, Eric!
My family tradition was watching Planes, Trains and Automobiles. The scene with John Candy acting out Ray Charles’s “Mess Around” is priceless. My grandkids aren’t quite old enough for that movie so it’s Charlie Brown’s Thanksgiving for now which is OK too.
There are some good things that are happening as a result of this horrible pandemic. My grandkids appreciate school a lot more. They have actually done well with their online zoom schooling and have learned to be much more independent learners but they can’t wait to be back in class with all their friends. I recently heard that a lot of young people are now choosing to become doctors and nurses which is a big improvement over the best and brightest choosing careers in finance because they pay more.
We just watched Planes, Trains and Automobiles the other day to see if it was appropriate for the grandkids. They and their mom are living with us right now, and the good news is we think it's fine for them.
Mine are still pretty young. That hilarious scene with Evie McClure dropping f-bombs at the car rental desk is a bit much for now. When it used to be shown on television they would edit that part. It’s my husband’s favorite part. He travelled a lot for work so he can relate.
We DVR'd it from cable tv, and I think that part was cut. I don't recall that at all, now that you mention it.
I am glad you said that. I need to put in on my calendar for next year to remind me to record it so we can watch it with the grandkids. I guarantee you would remember that scene if it had been left in as would your grandkids!
PressRun: Best thing that happened in 2020!
I only hope that the Press (@NYTimes et al) are taking heed.
Sometimes I wonder whether they have any capacity at all to learn.
Or whether it's just willful or profit ($$$) driven ignorance.
As Keillor would say: Be well,
Do good work,
And stay in touch.
We are so very grateful for you and your good, necessary work, Mr. Boehlert! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!!
As a late comer to Press Run, so grateful for fact based observations of the press and culture as a whole, instructs my understanding of why Hillary beats Trump by 3 million votes and no one touts her as a future force on the political scene and Trump loses by more than 6 million and the Press touts him as a political force to be reckoned with for the foreseeable future.
That was the song that inspired me to learn the guitar. Always an entertaining listen. Thank you for your insights through this trying election season and year.
love that music connection!
Yesterday's Australian blues song was really good too, I must say. Reminded me of a friend that I haven't seen in too long (due to COVID concerns, of course), so I passed the link on to him.
I too look forward to reading your articles daily and I appreciate how tedious (at least it was for me when I tried to post a daily blog) it is to do.
You are a boon of information that would otherwise, for most people, never get seen and by sharing them we all become (hopefully) part of the solution. Thanks.
Reading Press Run and the comments has become an important part of my day, almost every day. It is impossible not to feel a sense of community. I certainly feel it. Thank you to Eric and all of the people who care to comment.
That’s great to hear!
“Kid, did you ever go to court?”
Tx Eric, looking forward to 2021.
“What are you in for?”
Ha! So good....and me, too.
So sorry...I wouldn't have survived 2020 without my Max & Belle...I'm sure she was the best girl and she had an amazing life...hugs...
My condolences. I am so sorry for your loss.
That is so sad. I know how that feels but to happen this year and around Thanksgiving is a lot to take.
Aww, sorry to hear that. We lost our beloved Fern this year so I know what this holiday is w/o your fav four-legged friend
a solid list!