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Power, pop, and probings from ABC News Senior White House Correspondent Jake Tapper

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Ann-odyne

October 11, 2007 10:03 AM

Ann Coulter is making the rounds on cable these days saying that Jews need "to be perfected" like Christians -- like, I suppose, her?

One wonders about even blogging about her, given the things she says, but after-the-fact, after she's been broadcast, it's probably important to know what people like her are saying to mass broadcast audiences.

I cannot tell you how many conservatives I've spoken to who want her to go away, who think she twists what conservativism is and is a horrible representative for their cause.

Off to South Carolina right now to spend some time with the Giuliani campaign in that key early primary state.

More later!

-- jt

October 11, 2007 | Permalink | User Comments (132)

User Comments

The one true thing that annoys the crud out of me the most about this election is the whole Obama thing. Let me explain: Almost all African Americans are voting for Obama and we all know it's simply because he's black. Why do we think Obama will do anything for this country if he won't even put his hand over his heart during the Pledge of Alliegence or even recite it for Christ's sake? That is just outrageous. Who cares about the first women president or the first black president? It would be great to have one but not if that is the only reason they're being voted for. If they were both white men, they would be well out of the election by now. What I want to know is why, if Obama wins the election, should he be known as the first African American president of the United States? Same for Hillary. Why can't they just be known as simply great presidents and not known for they're race or sex? In the end it's not their race or gender that matters, it is how they represent our country. Just by voting for Obama because of his skin color, Af. Americans everywhere are defeating the purpose of the elimination of racism, descrimination, and prejudice. And for the racists who know they are voting for skin color and say they are really voting for what he says he's going to do for the country, take a moment to think why you are doing it and it probably won't make any sense to you now.

Posted by: conservative | May 9, 2008 8:04:09 PM

Plain and Simple. Why do you like her?
You shouldn't. She is unamerican.

Posted by: common scence | Nov 9, 2007 12:23:51 PM

chuck - I think you will see Gore there first.

Posted by: spock | Oct 17, 2007 2:02:05 PM

Look up the definition of "media prostitute" in the dictionary and you'll see Ms. Coulter's photo as the definition. This is just another example of the old saying, "Give someone enough rope...." Is it any surprise to anyone about Ms. Coulter's numeroous prejudices?

Posted by: chuck | Oct 16, 2007 3:54:36 PM


Jake, you state:

"I cannot tell you how many conservatives I've spoken to ..."

Yeah, it's probably zero. That's why you cannot tell. Anyway, you promised "more later". It's now later. What do you got?

Posted by: Gary | Oct 16, 2007 12:34:34 PM

Dogfreid True But dont forget the New Lib Constuitution -

Free Speech only if your a Lib and You get Stoned if you dare question a Lib

Posted by: spock | Oct 16, 2007 10:36:06 AM

I think it's about time we suspend the hysterics. Anybody offended by this is simply being too sensitive for their own good.

Posted by: Dogfreid | Oct 16, 2007 9:41:31 AM

Jake, you write:

"Ann Coulter is making the rounds on cable these days saying that Jews need "to be perfected" ..."

-

Not true. She never said that. she never said "need". Donny used that word, not her. Looks like Media Matters punk'd you.

Posted by: Gary | Oct 15, 2007 6:02:57 PM

First of all Ann is not a preacher of any sort, second she was talking about the old testament.

Tread - And you thing what is done to Christians is not off the deep end?

This country is based on Judeo/Christian beliefs period, if you do not like it move!

Ann is not a good speaker as i have seen but she writes good books. So please stop taking thigs out of context!

Posted by: spock | Oct 15, 2007 11:03:58 AM

Somewhere (I forget which verses) in the Bible, Christ is talking about washing one's hands before eating. He called it a Jewish practice that was wrong, because if you believe in the Lord, He will cleanse you. From the Old Testament--one of the Ten Commandments is about not coveting your neighbor's slaves. The Koran talks about killing non-muslims. And the New Testament does say the only way to Heaven is through Christ. When one takes their religion too literally, they end up selling alot of books, or becomming President of Iran. Both of the people I'm referring to are the stars of their own side shows, but they both have more money and power than we posters do. Maybe they're on to something.

Posted by: SteveW | Oct 14, 2007 11:20:39 PM

You think disagreeing with the Bush administration blows their conservative cover? I'm glad you're not on my side. It's ashame they let people like you become doctors.. in fact, I bet I've seen some of your butchery in the morgue, not that, in all likelihood, you're a medical doctor.

Posted by: JP | Oct 14, 2007 12:30:45 AM

It's clear that Ann Coulter has not read the New Testament and has little grasp of what Christ's gift of salvation is about. Orthodox Christianity says Christ died to redeem sinners. No where in the New Testament does it say that Christians are perfected -- in fact, the verses describing possibility of perfection on this side of heaven are highly debated or ignored by the vast majority of Christians. John Wesley, perhaps the biggest Christian proponent of perfection (in love) being possible in this world, never claimed to attain it. And Mother Theresa who had both an understanding of Christianity and the ability to live it better than most could ever dream of didn’t claim perfection as she contemplated retirement, but instead said that "God will find a perrson, more humble, more devoted, more obedient to him...." Relations with our Jewish brothers and sisters would be a lot better if people like Ann Coulter would take a page out of Mother Theresa's book rather than holding themselves out as being perfected beings.

Posted by: Richard | Oct 14, 2007 12:22:58 AM

Allright. That's enough.

No more attention will be paid to Ann Coulter. That's m'rulin'. Every word of praise or detraction sells more of her gossipy, childish, name-calling books and bring her more gratification.

The exception to this ruling is psychotics who believe CNN, ABC, MSNBC, and every other news source except Rush and Fox News has a liberal bias. They can go on reading Ann Coulter. If they aren't literate, they can call in a nurse to read it aloud for them.

Posted by: Robert Maxwell | Oct 13, 2007 11:14:04 PM

ABC News is as liberal as PBS and the New York Times....you really blew your cover during the 'W' administration. It bothers me not beacuse your spewing proganda that may have potential consequences - the gig is up. But, thinkiing back over the past 30 years, how much BS have you spoon-fed the US and the World with your skewed view of reality. ...Al Gore's "Peace Prize" exhibit A -- what the %$#& does that have to do with peace?? You mean the Nobel Politics Prize that fits the liberal anti-capitalism socialistic elitist template of doom and gloom - prize.
Simle! Its a BEAUTIFUL day in suburabn America with the NEWS TURNED OFFFFFFFF!!!!!!!!!!!!
-Dr.S

Posted by: Dr. Scott | Oct 13, 2007 9:53:30 PM


Erin is all wrong in his statement that because Jesus was Jewish that it somehow makes all Jews "perfect". You have either not read the Bible or look to insult the religion.

Yes Jesus was a Jew, that is as surprising as finding out that a baked potato is in fact a potato that was baked. We all know that.

The part that you have all wrong is the difference between Jesus and a regular person that was Jewish. The Bible says that Jesus is the Son of God. While we are all "God's children" Jesus is a direct decendant or piece of God.

Humans are imperfect, we are prone to committing sins no matter how hard we try. This is another difference between humans(christian,jews,muslims,pagans ect) and Jesus,who is "perfect" because he has not sinned.

To say that anyone can be perfect on their own is impossible according to the Bible, as it clearly says we are prone to it. So to say that Jews are inherently "perfected" because Jesus was also a Jew is wrong. It is,according to the Bible(soon to be banned) the only path is through Jesus, to accept Jesus as your savior. Jews do not believe in this part,otherwise they would be Christian.Therefore it is impossible to be a "perfected Jew" without becoming a Christian. Its pretty simple to understand.

I don't know who said it but there was a post about how strange it is that people would talk about what Ann said. Its funny that he bothered to post as opposed to just moving along.

Posted by: to Sm4rt to b33 a liberal | Oct 13, 2007 6:29:06 PM

Erin - your logic is faulty. Just because Jesus was perfect, does not make all Jews perfect.

Posted by: ellsbells930 | Oct 13, 2007 4:37:18 PM

She is either a wacko Republican, or a progressive (like Steven Colbert), who makes fun of the right wing by pretending to be one of them.


Posted by: Bob Schadenfreude | Oct 13, 2007 2:40:55 PM

Ok so everyone does remember that Jesus was Jewish, a devote Jew at that. He taught people to love others inspite of their faults and possibly because of their faults. Christianity as we know it did not start until he was gone. So how is it that you can say Jews are not perfect when Jesus was a Jew unless you are saying Jesus was not perfect, but then you would be defeating your own point. But then again look at the source of the remark.

Posted by: Erin | Oct 13, 2007 12:03:07 PM

I cannot believe so much time and effort is dedicated here to abnoxious Ann Coulter who always triggers a controversy in order to sell her book. No normal person can be possibly interested in her twisted views.

Posted by: Peter Bergen | Oct 13, 2007 11:12:34 AM

How ironic. The introduction chapter to her new book is exactly what were discussing: people using idioms like how Ann has "crossed the line", "gone too far this time", or is "beyond the pale" each time she makes a "controversial" statement. Funny how they always seem to come out right around when her books are released; which I just bought two days ago and can't put it down. So funny.

As for what she said, what real Christian would not want everyone single person on the planet to not be Christian. It is one of the essential core beliefs of our faith, not to mention one of the greatest commandments of our Savior; to go forth and make disciples. That is all she was saying. She said nothing about hate or forcing some kind of religious legalism on all mankind or and that if a person doesn't believe in Christianity they should be subservient to those that do, or worse yet - killed. Oh wait a second - that's a different religion I'm thinking of.

Posted by: Zola | Oct 13, 2007 12:57:35 AM

Leslie and To Sm4rt to b33 a Liberal, great posts! But one comment. Leslie, you should quote the entire verse of Matthew 28:19: "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit," Christ is not telling His disciples to make all nations disciples. Instead He is telling them to go throughout the whole world spreading the gospel; and then baptizing those individuals who do choose to believe.

Posted by: James Danley | Oct 12, 2007 8:23:30 PM

I watched Ann make her Big Idea Point that you should speak what you believe and then take the bullets for your belief and then you will go far, which is not what Donny wanted her to say. Then he insulted her by saying an educated person couldn't possibly believe what she said about Christians being perfected Jews. He insulted all Christians and Republicans by insinuating that their would be more hate and intolerance if the world were made up of them. Go Ann! everyone else just wants to be politically correct. Where is all the hate speech the way I read the blogs it is all toward Ann and Christians. Ann was being as gracious and liberal minded toward the Jews as the Bible allows by at least saying their is a way for them to enter the Kingdom of God. He she were anti-semitic why would she lift up Joe Lieberman in the same interview. The truly intolerant are those who can't tolerate people who believe in an absolute truth. These must defend their faith when pushed in a corner and told they are unintelligent for believing this way, and better yet they should propagate their faith as the commandment given by Jesus in Matthew 28 when said go and make disciples of all natiions!

Posted by: Leslie | Oct 12, 2007 5:57:25 PM


In addition to my post below


If Christians see Jews as brothers or cousins as I do, then it makes sense for us to want them to be "perfected". "Perfected" aka,"To be saved". If Ann said otherwise it would suggest that she didn't care for those that are Jewish. To not want someone to be "saved" is to wish damnation upon them.

As she said, its the fast track into heaven. Is it not easy to ask for forgiveness of one's sins? Would you want to see someone you care for struggle for something they could have so easily if they were to accept something? Even if that person refused based on principles, you would still want them to and hope some day they would. Doing so in no way suggest contempt for that person, in fact it points the other way, it suggest that you give a damn about them and wish they wouldn't struggle for what you already have.

All in all its something spun by people that have no faith and couldn't care less about those that do. It is also spun by those that have no understanding of the context of what Ann said. To paint the conversation as anti semitic shows absolutely no ability to reason and complete lack of knowledge of the subject which is being talked about.

Posted by: To Sm4rt to b33 a Liberal | Oct 12, 2007 4:39:59 PM

This "blog" is amusing, I found this "blog" by accident. Its funny because if you turn on a tv you already know what this is about so how many people living under a rock,yet already knew of this blog are there?

As for Ann, I love that crazy chick. She knows how to stick it to the liberals and get them all crazed, sort of like taking a baseball bat to a beehive.

Their only defense to what she says appears to be ,"shes mean/malicious/arrogant/obnoxious/annoying" yet they never have a counter that shows what she says to be a lie. Their counter is merely an opinion on what she said as opposed to countering the context of which she says.

Let me "blog" here a bit. Most of the young,single women I have met have been far left,crazy liberals. Liberals whos basis of being one is "Bush sounds stupid on tv". Anything they believe has been backed by pure non-sense, instead its based on superficial reasons. Such as "war is bad","i don't like his suits", "X government official is stupid(no reasons given".

So for me to hear Ann say that young,single women shouldn't be allowed to vote, purely in a jest, is amusing. Its amusing because it is in fact those people that have been the most vocal about their "political view" yet have nothing to back it other then superficial nonsense. I personally would like there to be a common sense test taken before your able to vote,which many of the young,single females i have met would fail,undoubtedly.

As for the comments about Jews need to be perfected, IIRC, those were the words of the host. Either way anyone that has read a Bible,Christian or not, would already realize the fact that Judaism is the basis of Christianity. Without Judaism there would be no Christianity. Christianity,according to the New Testament is the progression of what it is based off of. Therefore it is believed to be the expansion of, the revision of, the more advanced version,however you want to put it, of Judaism.

As a not so practicing Christian I see the Jews as cousins or brothers. I see their beliefs as the basis of my own. The difference is that they don't believe in the expansion of the faith which turns it into Christianity. I don't look down on them.

I am a Republican that appreciates the humor of Ann. I appreciate the fact that she can get on tv and get the liberal's collective panties in a twist with the slightest comment. Its even funnier when you see the "media backlash" where we see the liberals on parade telling us how badly Ann owns their sorry butts.

Posted by: To sm4rt to b3 a liberall | Oct 12, 2007 4:23:28 PM

I love Ann! The more she talks the more people vote against republicans! Keep it up Ann so we can eliminate these feeble minded right-wing wack jobs from our country.

Posted by: Luckyduckydo | Oct 12, 2007 4:17:19 PM

religion needs to be perfected...by realizing that following someone else's interpretation of spirituality is like using someone else's tongue to taste. snot gonna work. follow your own beliefs people, not someone else's. that religious leader you follow is no better or smarter, just more egotistical and richer...and probably secretly gay.

Posted by: niftyjwn | Oct 12, 2007 4:12:04 PM

So if we need to get rid of Ann Coulter, do we do the same to Michael Moore, Daily Kos, Move-on.org, Hollywood, etc., etc. ad infinitum?
At least Ann has a sense of humor - in fact a lot of what she says is tongue-in-cheek because she thoroughly enjoys annoying liberals like the abovementioned. Also, google her biography and compare her intelligence with any liberal you can come up with, for instance Hillary, ha, ha.
All I can say to Ann is, GO, GIRL!

Posted by: Juanita | Oct 12, 2007 1:50:19 PM

I see again how liberals love free speech: "Ann Coulter shouldn't be allowed on the air," etc., etc. Also, if you don't know anything about Christianity, don't judge what Ann said.
Jake Tapper said, "Ann Coulter is making the rounds on cable these days saying that Jews need "to be perfected" like Christians." Let me translate for Jake: Jews and everyone need to be perfected THE SAME AS CHRISTIANS NEED TO BE PERFECTED, in other words, everybody needs to be perfected - nobody is perfect. She was quoting Jesus in the New Testament.

Posted by: Juanita | Oct 12, 2007 1:38:48 PM

Michelle Malkin > Ann Coulter and Dumbya

Posted by: The Conservatives Get Ranked | Oct 12, 2007 12:14:57 PM

Ann Coulter has lately been panned as antisemitic, and rightfully so. While many Christians believe Jews need fulfillment in Jesus as Moschiah, they do sometimes stoop into religious hucksterism over that belief, as Ann Coulter does here, and get tarred and feathered over it. Why? Because the language isn't respectful of Judaism! Jews aren't any more imperfect than Christians or Buddhists or worshippers of the Vedic deities or Shintoists or Afro-traditionalists or Neopagans. Only the Divine is perfect (or those that have achieved Nirvana, if you're a Buddhist). If you want to promote your religion, fine. But don't belittle another religion in doing so.

Posted by: Kinda Imperfect Jew | Oct 12, 2007 12:11:57 PM

You guys need to read the transcripts. She never said that the US would be better off without Jews. She never said anything hateful. The headlines for this story are lies.

Posted by: ellsbells930 | Oct 12, 2007 11:46:37 AM

Actually, I would propose that the nicest people are not at all religious, and some of the worst people profess to be highly religious.

That goes for all religions, with none excluded.

Knowing how to treat others well, has nothing to do with religion.

Ms. Coulter is not a very nice person, and should be ignored by those who are nice people.

Posted by: Rick McDaniel | Oct 12, 2007 10:33:32 AM

Hey, Jake You said "More later!". Well, it's later. What more do you have? Did you read the Book of John yet to know what "perfect" means?

Posted by: Gary | Oct 12, 2007 10:28:27 AM

I see absolutely no difference between what she said and a Taliban fanatical saying that everyone needs to convert to Islam to be saved. Same thing.

Posted by: sesame | Oct 12, 2007 8:56:29 AM

'charity begins at home' ~ i think she could do with some 'perfecting' herself ~ buddhism is good for the practice of personal perfection ~

Posted by: skyz | Oct 12, 2007 7:44:47 AM

Keep on waving the elephant flag Annie. Us liberals enjoy the help you provide by showing the true color of the republican party!!!

Posted by: DK | Oct 12, 2007 5:55:32 AM

Who cares anything about what she says, (I DON"T)

Posted by: cpman1946 | Oct 12, 2007 2:13:52 AM

Anne Coulter's comment was pigheaded and I am conservative. Anne does not represent us; she represents a small minority that thinks they run the conservative 'Red' states.

Posted by: Mike K | Oct 11, 2007 9:59:08 PM

Hey Rev. Do you speak up when Dean said he hated Christians, When Columbia allowed a hate spewing dictator speak and the students that cheered him

And far from last did you condemn Hilary for embnracing the PLO terrorist Arafat who's family worked for Hitler.

The postings here show at last count 95 the most i have seen on any of these good but slightly liberal posts full of hatred from libs.

Now the problem is not Ann, she at this point no one seems to know the context of it or what she was thinking.

Now what do we have from George Soros party, they want genocide in Iraq, in Somalia and Darfar but they want to condemn a good ally for something that happened 90 years agon for geoncide when the group responsible is not even in power anymore. Good Work libs.

By the Christ was born in the winter, and yes not exactly the 25th it was during solice. So please!

Posted by: spock | Oct 11, 2007 9:48:22 PM

The day Coulter croaks...the fake-tan business will have lost a great client...HEY, how about this: let's harness her energy... and recycle the HOT AIR!

Posted by: Petra | Oct 11, 2007 9:22:24 PM

Ann Coulter is the type of individual which the present administration has given rise to...'ALL HAT AND NO CATTLE,' as my grandfather used to say!

Posted by: Ila Jones | Oct 11, 2007 9:20:39 PM

Poor Anne, she can't help being an ignorant limelight seeking mudslinger. It must have been something in her upbringing. There is so much wrong with this woman I don't know whay anyone would put her on TV other than to see how far she can get her foot and leg into her mouth. She spreads hatred and intolerance and the best we can all do is ignore her and maybe she will go away.

Posted by: Rich | Oct 11, 2007 8:53:22 PM

Oops, don't want her to think I can't spell: Caucasian

Posted by: Make Ann Coulter Vanish! | Oct 11, 2007 8:36:38 PM

I knew the day would come when she finally offended almost everyone on earth in some way, shape or form. I think the Caucasion, Christian, right wing fanatico males are still pretty safe, though.

Just sign me:
a woman who Ann Coulter would love to keep from voting

Posted by: Make Ann Coulter Vanish! | Oct 11, 2007 8:35:03 PM

Ricky Sims, you wrote: "Christians believe that it is their job to convert everyone to Christianity." I don't deny that there are some Christians who do believe that. But that is NOT what Christ told his disciples. Mark 16:15-16: "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned."

If Christ had intended for Christians to convert everyone He would have said, "Go ye into all the world and convert every creature." Instead it is the duty of Christians to make the Gospel known. And that's all. But we are NOT to force anyone to believe. God gave ALL of us free will. And it is up to each person to decide whether he or she will believe. Furthermore we are not to condemn or judge those who do not believe.

Those that condemn Christianity can cite many reasons and examples for that condemnation. And, frankly, in some cases they may be justified. That's because all too often we Christians put way too much faith and trust in people and not enough in Jesus Christ. None of us are perfect, and we never will be.

Posted by: James Danley | Oct 11, 2007 8:07:43 PM

Someone once told me, "if Jesus were alive today he would be hanging out in the synagogue." I wonder what percentage of Christians who claim to be "perfected Jews" even know what "Echad" means in Hebrew.

- From a soon-to-be "imperfect" Jew.

Posted by: V'ahavta et Adonai | Oct 11, 2007 7:32:02 PM

Opps. Sorry Jake. That's Jake Tapper!

Posted by: James Danley | Oct 11, 2007 6:38:52 PM

Tread, you wrote: "...why would he (Jake Tipper) say Hillary Clinton started Media Matters? It's patently false and to say so would be lying..." Oh my, you just called Sen. Hillary Clinton a liar!

On August 4, 2007, speaking at the YearlyKos Convention, Sen. Clinton said: "We are certainly better prepared and more focused on, you know, taking our arguments, and making them effective, and disseminating them widely, and really putting together a network, uh, in the blogosphere, in a lot of the new progressive infrastructure, institutions THAT I HELPED TO START AND SUPPORT LIKE Media Matters and Center for American Progress." (Emphasis is mine.) Don't take my word for it. Google it. The YouTube video clip is right there for everyone to see and hear!

Of course Media Matters is now out there trying to deny it. That's because they are a non-profit organization. And they could lose that status if they, themselves, admitted to being connected to Sen. Clinton.

Now then, after reading these comments I am totally amazed at some of the venom and hatred out there. Maybe I should clarify that! What I am really amazed about is NOT the venom and hatred ITSELF, but the fact that some of the commenters claim that the Liberal Left does not attack Christians. Yet right before their own eyes is our evidence that the Liberals DO attack. And some of these attacks are filled with utter disdain, venom and hatred. You Liberals express how you love free speech. Yet you want Ann Coulter to "shut up." One of my favorite comments is by Rev. Hank Bates who wrote: "When do we stop allowing these people to spread their hatred and ignorance?"

You can't have Freedom of Speech if you only allow that which you like or that with which you agree. That is NOT Freedom of Speech. If you don't like something, you have the God-given right to not listen. Turn the channel, or move on to another article, if you are offended. The U. S. Constitution does not protect you from being offended.

Posted by: James Danley | Oct 11, 2007 6:37:47 PM

Perfection? No such thing. :o)

Posted by: sophia2866 | Oct 11, 2007 6:25:53 PM

If you think for one minute that I will believe anything you say, you have another thing comming.

Posted by: carl zschering | Oct 11, 2007 6:17:48 PM

i'm a christian, and a liberal... imagine that!... and yes, i agree that pepole like ann coulter and the growing segment of misguided people who call themselves christians are not true christians... i wish jesus WOULD come back and set these confused christians back on the path that was originally intended by christ... that of love and compassion and humility, not hate and cruelty and boisterous preachiness... god bless!

Posted by: earthnotflat | Oct 11, 2007 6:11:17 PM

jeremydbrooks - I'm not sure where your question is coming from, since, if you read the transcript, you would see that she was not hateful at all.

Posted by: ellsbells930 | Oct 11, 2007 6:04:24 PM

Ann Coulter, Rush Limbaugh, James Dobson, etc. All actors who survive on hate. Old news. But I guess if they weren't around we might get complacent. At least they are there to show us what evil is.

Posted by: Chris | Oct 11, 2007 6:00:53 PM

Question to all of you defending Coulter on biblical grounds: I read the entire transcript, and I'm curious why it's bad to hate and marginalize someone UNLESS the bible says it's OK? Then it's constructive feedback instead of hateful rhetoric? Are you all twisted and inhuman, or just confused and misled? Some combination thereof?

Posted by: jeremydbrooks | Oct 11, 2007 5:47:13 PM

If you read the interview, I don't think she and Deutsch were having the same conversation. She was using a cutesy Christian term (Christians are Jews perfected) that was misconstrued. He (and Jake Tapper) took her to be making anti-semitic remarks. Regardless of whether you approve or not, Christians believe that it is their job to convert everyone to Christianity. She was only saying that Jews should convert to Christianity. Taken in the context of her religion, I really don't think that is anti-semitic.

Posted by: Ricky Sims | Oct 11, 2007 5:42:21 PM

first off, to set the record straight, Christmas is not a Christian holiday. Christ was born in the spring, common rituals, symbols and traditions of Christmas come from multiple nations and religions, particularly pagan rituals having to do with the winter solstice which even outdate Christ himself. And so-called “leaders” of the Christian faith do more harm to the religion than anyone else possibly could. Beware the wolves in sheep’s clothing

Posted by: chris | Oct 11, 2007 5:38:55 PM

Get the story straight. You twist everything a conservative says and take it completely out of context. Get a life and find Jesus while you're at it. Maybe then, you would think about what you're saying instead of lying through your teeth!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Betty Hoglen | Oct 11, 2007 5:29:24 PM

You say:

"One wonders about even blogging about her, given the things she says, but after-the-fact, after she's been broadcast, it's probably important to know what people like her are saying to mass broadcast audiences."

You're double standard is showing. You must be a Hillary supporter. Read the transcript again, study up on Christianity (by actually reading the New Testament), and think twice about calling yourself a journalist.

Posted by: Lynn | Oct 11, 2007 5:21:19 PM

It really is like shooting fish in a barrel with you geniuses in the media. She will say anything to get attention.

Posted by: MediaDopes | Oct 11, 2007 5:00:14 PM

Thank you, Tom, for your measured wisdom.
Some people, like this pushy interviewer, simply abhor evangelism, which is the same as opposing advocacy.

If an idea is good enough to embrace, why is it not good enough to share? Ann simply stated that Christians believe that Christ is for everyone. Nothing shocking here. This threshold doctrine has been around for at least 2000 years. If some are shocked or offended by it, it is only because they are historical,biblical and cultural illiterates.

Posted by: Babba | Oct 11, 2007 4:59:54 PM

I saw the program last night. Anyone who has ever attended a christian church service knows exactly what she is saying: she wants everyone "saved."
That is what millions of Christian believe and is BY NO MEANS anti-Semetic. By the way, I am sure Jews want people to be "saved" as well.
Stop distorting what she said!!

Posted by: Gabby | Oct 11, 2007 4:55:53 PM

As a Christian, I found Ann's comments to be very misguided and unhelpful. I have not watched video of the interview, but based on the transcript, she seems to be trying to be edgy and witty, while expressing that Christianity is the fulfillment of Judaism. Even then, I think that some of her theology is pretty off base. But I also think the interviewer was trying to pick a fight by missrepresenting her. Do Christians think that all Jews should embrace Christianity? Of course. Christians believe that Jesus was the Jewish Messiah. That is why Christians read the same scriptures that Jews read (with the addition of the New Testament). But the interviewer seems to want to push her into some kind of forced conversion crusade or Jewish extermination. That was not what she was saying. Ultimately I think he is offended that any person of religion would want to convince others to join them, and I have a big problem with that. People of all religions should have the freedom to proselytize in an arena of ideas.

Posted by: Tom | Oct 11, 2007 4:52:29 PM

Coultergeist should be banned from the planet! She's like a coiled rattlesnake.

Posted by: Bec67 | Oct 11, 2007 4:51:38 PM

I think we need to stop reporting on her. honestly. next time she appears in teh news I do not comment on it and I will not read it. she is no longer news.

Posted by: jason | Oct 11, 2007 4:48:46 PM

ann lost me with the comment about the 9-11 widows and she has only gone down hill since then. SHe sells books.

Posted by: Chris | Oct 11, 2007 4:46:50 PM

Isn't Guliani the mayor that tried to gag NY city employees from sharing immigration status info with the INS and who was later slapped by the federal 2nd circuit for his lawless sanctuary madness? Isn't Guliani the guy whose now claiming that he never harbored illegal aliens in NYC? That Guliani? Pray that Guliani gets around to telling the truth...
But for a lackadaisical attitude on immigration, 9/11 would never have happened. Wake up libs; the terrorists are HERE (not over THERE!)because Guliani and Bush love slave labor, kissing lawlessness more than they love safeguarding this nation. Anybody who doesn't see the nexus between terrorism and immigration chaos needs some serious perfecting! (I thought I'd get you nuts off Ann for a bit and unto something that actually matters...immigration enforcement, something as yet UNTRIED in this country.) And Guliani, the illegal alien king, got me going...

Posted by: Babba | Oct 11, 2007 4:45:23 PM

I forgot to add that the headline & sub-headline were very misleading. She NEVER said the US would be better off without Jews.

Posted by: ellsbells930 | Oct 11, 2007 4:44:49 PM

Ok - I just went and read the transcript. She was not being hateful at all. She wasn't saying that anyone should be killed, tortured or maimed for not being a Christian. All she was saying was that according to the Christian faith, the goal is that everyone will come to know the Good News that Jesus died for us & accept Him as their Savior. She was laying out what it takes to be a Christian. Christians can love people of every faith, but it doesn't mean they have to approve of their actions.

Posted by: ellsbells930 | Oct 11, 2007 4:42:51 PM

I think Ann Coulter should create a new movement of politically minded religious conservatives. She could make the "perfecting of Jews" a central part of the new party's political platform. Eventually, the party will need a name. I suggest "The Taliban."

Posted by: LESD | Oct 11, 2007 4:40:35 PM

Jake, going from Ann Coulter to Ghouliani sure does not seem to be going in a positive direction! Ask Ann if 'The Jews Need To BE Perfected' is the title to her next book and ask Ghouliani how long he is going to milk the fact that he was the mayor of New York during 9/11 and if he will come clean about how little he did and how the NYPD and NYFD don't like him at all!

Posted by: a.copley | Oct 11, 2007 4:24:55 PM

correction on grammar - The libs hate the jews also! So stop the phony open mindness.

Posted by: spock | Oct 11, 2007 4:24:06 PM

I would like to see the whole quote & the context - because most of the time, she is being sarcastic & satirical - but people take it out of context.

Posted by: ellsbells930 | Oct 11, 2007 4:22:52 PM

Brad Powell - They don't attack christians umm lets start with their leader Dean - 'I hate Christians"

Lets start with the attacks in court about Christmas, um lets see they say nothing about the Muslims puting religous thing in school, nor the Jewish Candles (don't how to spell it) but yet cry and stamp their feet over a tree calling it a Christian symbol, well first it is not.

Someone say GOD and they have a Fit, never mind if they say Jesus, then all crying comes out.

So please the libs hate Christians and in that fact the Jews also, don't you listen to your icon Carter?

The facts speak for themselves

See since the libs want to turn this country into a socialist/Marxist country they need to do away with religion,.

Read the book from Hilary's favorite professor.

Posted by: spock | Oct 11, 2007 4:22:46 PM

It is the Christian position that one needs to accept Jesus as one’s savior. I’m not a Christian or religious in any sense but I’m not offended by their beliefs. I just disagree.

It seems that Tapper has the problem with other people’s religion and takes a dim view of Christianity. That’s his right, of course.

Posted by: Jason Pappas | Oct 11, 2007 4:21:31 PM

Yes, many Republicans want Ann Coulter to go away. She says outrageous things.

Then again, there is Howard Dean has also said outrageous things.

Let's not forget the statement "I hate Republicans and everything they stand for", or "the Republicans never made an honest living a day in their lives".

Or how about this statement? "The Republicans are a pretty monolithic party. They all behave the same. They all look the same. It's pretty much a white Christian party." Evidently he thinks no Democrat was ever a Christian of course.

Rather than wanting Howard Dean to "go away", the Democrats appoint him as the DNC chairman.

Posted by: jfm125 | Oct 11, 2007 4:20:52 PM

Can't you right-wing neo-con cristians see that she's trying to make you look stupid ???

Posted by: kenny | Oct 11, 2007 4:15:38 PM

Ann Coulter is pushing people too far and will pay for her smart mouth one of these days!

Posted by: | Oct 11, 2007 4:08:38 PM

Ann Coulter is one of the worst people on the planet. She is a disgrace to the entire Conservative movement and anyone who embraces her hateful divisiveness needs to grow up.

Posted by: Annika R. | Oct 11, 2007 4:06:37 PM

Ann Coulter has never forced anybody to do, see or believe anything in her life. Weak-minded libs always cry that somebody is trying to "force" them to do this or believe that. What anti-intellectual claptrap! Hey, libs, when you are, in fact, forced to believe in X or die, believe me; you'll know it. See, e.g.,Soviet Union/Third Reich/Iran/any country that does not have a First Amendment or its equivalent. Ann Coulter is why we have a First Amendment. I don't always agree with what Coulter says, much less how she says it, but watching her make libs cry and tear out their hair is always hilarious!

Posted by: Babba | Oct 11, 2007 4:05:21 PM

Spock - Liberals don't attack Christians and heterosexuals. Don't be such a paranoid nutcase. Meanwhile, Coulter is an insane hatemonger bent on dividing the country against itself. She is an utter disgrace and should be ashamed of herself. I will pray for her.