I Listen to Don Imus So You Don't Have To (Third in a Series)

Coupla bits from today's Imus:

"Good" Facism: Yesterday, I told you about Chris Matthews' momentary redemption in the form of a smackdown of Marcia Blackburn (R - Wingnuttia), who tried to jam up discussion of Iraq with standard-issue Republican "Support-the-Troops" stonewalling. Tweety basically called Blackburn a "facist," which was jolly good fun for all.

But when it comes to St. Rudy of the Garters, a little facism is A-okay by Tweety. Midway through a misty reminiscence of being able to walk around Rudy-era Soho with his teenagers without worry that he'd be set upon by Jets and Sharks (I'm not even going to address why Matthews would not feel safe amidst the art galleries and luxury stores that overran Soho throughout Rudy's terms) Matthews said:

I think the country wants a boss like that, just a little bit of facism there.

Tweety, you need to make up your mind about the facism question. Learning a little more about Rudy would probably help to that end.

Cleanup Man: Next up was Howard Kurtz, who characterized Tim Russert as the "Cleanup hitter for the prosecution" at the Libby trial. I certainly hope so. Also re Libby: take a look at this video report featuring FireDogLake's Jane Hamsher. This woman had surgery -- what? -- two, maybe three, weeks ago? She looks great. What a trooper for being out there so soon (and in such frigid weather). Brava, Jane. (You already knew that FDL is your HQ for all news Libby, right? Of course you did.)

Howie Works the Refs: Howie wound up his Imus appearance by trying to mau-mau Keith Olberman. Apparently, Keith is beating the CNN program in his time slot, an achievement for which Imus (good fellow NBC-er that he is), praised Olbermann. But Howie tempered his praise by bemoaning the lack of an opposing viewpoint on "Countdown." Note to Howie: conservatives have plenty of outlets for their neverending and opposing viewpoints.