The McLaughlin Group

I enjoy watching this show very much and have for years. McLaughlin and the four panelists are very well-read on current events (they would have to be, all being journalists) and they do show all sides of an issue (when you can make out what they are saying).

I tend to be liberal in my views but it's important to hear other peoples' opinions and I am gratified that such a forum exists. Who knew there could be five sides to a story?

I suspect, however, that unless the people who run for office watch the show too, that all of the energy, opinions and knowledge displayed really won't change anything. It's Monday-morning quarterbacking at its finest.

I used to like watching The McLaughlin Group and have seen a progression of panelists evolve throughout the years; however, I must say that I have watched it less and less since Monica Crowley joined the show. Her disdain for Eleanor Clift is palpable and her need to dominate the discussion is enabled by John McLaughlin, who is clearly besotted with her. There is a mean-spiritedness about Ms. Crowley that transcends simple participation and anyone who has heard her radio show knows that her radio persona is harshly ideological and vitriolic.

While I agree that this show is loud, opinionated and sometimes raucous, it is also clear that most of the "old guard" is fond of one another; Ms. Crowley is another matter. I do believe that she sees herself as a contender for John McLaughlin's seat if and when he retires and is tireless in her efforts to position herself at the forefront of discussion. Again, her constant interruptions of Eleanor Clift, as well as her general demeanor toward Ms. Clift are shameful, as is Mr. McLaughlin's indulgence of this.

As for Mort Zuckerman: I'm not quite sure of the reasoning behind putting him on the same side of the "table" as Eleanor Clift. While clearly very bright and obviously very successful, he tends to lean more toward the views of Pat Buchanan and John McLaughlin. He's certainly not the reason, however, that I have taken this show off my DVR. To Ms. Crowley goes that honor.

This is the best political show on television. It is the only political show on PBS.

Without this show PBS would likely forced to be reborn since it generally has such a powerfully left-wing bias.

The narrator, John McLaughlin is a roughly non-partisan figure who really hosts the show. He does it in a novel manner that makes the show more interesting. He may be a Libertarian... as he falls into left and right camps with a tendency to visit the right.

Typical hosts include Pat Buchanan and others. Mr. Buchanan is obviously conservative. He has a chick counterpart who covers the left territory in an equally abrasive manner. The two co-hosts complement John McLaughlin who then puts them in their place by reminding them that they live in America, not Liberica or Conservica! It is quite interesting to watch- especially occasionally and over a period of years, even decades as I have.

Issues commonly discussed include American foreign policy and domestic security issues. It's often suggested that the U.S. get out of everywhere and focus the heck on it's own problems. This is an attitude that non-baby boomers (younger set) may find very appealing.

Speaking of that generational issues have over the years been brought up in the show. The guests tend to have very optimistic views of the future and their own take on how that future will be brighter than before.

There is a general feeling from within the show that the left is viewed as being on it's way to obsolescence with the right redefining a new left and right based on rational thought and modern life.

However it should be said that this show definitely represents all views. It is one of the only TV shows aired anywhere that really discusses all sides of the political equation.

One of the best shows on television, IMHO.

There IS a lot of shouting and a certain 'impoliteness', as another commenter mentions, but under all the shouting, I think most people will find in the panelists' content that:

1. They respond directly to each other's arguments (a welcome change from pundits who ignore their debating partners and reply to challenges with nothing more than a glib restatement of their basic position).

2. Time and again, panelists prove their integrity, command of the issues and (albeit combative) mutual respect by firmly agreeing with statements or positions from their supposed 'opponents' - in a beautiful display of precisely the type of intelligent discourse that is sorely lacking from most public debates, wherein well-meaning Americans so blinded by their mood to fight are unable to see the common ground that binds them and which, in the end, is critical for America's survival.

This is a great show. McLaughlin is an intelligent host and very good at stirring debate. The guests are well known and have very insightful regarding whatever questions John McLaughlin asks them. We get a fair representation of the issue and a fairly deep understanding of it. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in news.