2016 Postmortem
In reply to the discussion: I'm Canceling My Subscription to Sunshine Patriot Thom Hartmann's Program [View all]senz
(11,945 posts)I have been listening to him for a long time and find it relatively easy to detect his moods, doubts, enthusiasms, etc. I knew this was coming. I think there are several factors at work in what you heard today (I haven't listened to the podcast yet and am now dreading it). Mind you, this is only my opinion, but it's based on listener familiarity and observation.
Firstly, Thom of course fears what a Republican presidency (particularly a Trump presidency) could do to the country.
Secondly, he is acutely aware of his public responsibility as a popular talk show host. If he tells people to go Bernie or Bust, then quite a few progressives might do so, and if the Bernie or Busters cause a Republican to win the GE, then Thom could be at least partly blamed for it. The ensuing negative effect on his reputation and standing in the D.C. Democratic community (he is based in DC) could leave him somewhat isolated and less able to get Democrats to appear on his show.
So I think he both doesn't want it on his conscience AND doesn't want to be blamed for it if it does happen.
I think it's understandable. However, if all progressive media made that decision, it would be very sad for progressives.
But I've seen him respond pretty strongly to some of the dirty things the Hill campaign has been doing. So I think he's walking a fine line, as many people must do. I've also wondered if Hill's reputation for vindictiveness toward those she considers disloyal could have affected him -- I don't know.
And of course I'm wondering what Bernie will think of it.
So I'm kind of sad but can understand his particular situation. I hope he left the possibility open that Bernie can turn it around.