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Jay Marvin blasts Jared Polis on air
Scheduled interview with the candidate Thursday morning could get testy
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One of the more contentious interviews of the political season could hit local airwaves this morning when 2nd Congressional District candidate Jared Polis calls into Jay Marvin's radio talk show.
The discussion, scheduled for 9:05 a.m. on AM 760, comes after the liberal talk-show host blasted Polis on the air Wednesday morning, calling him "Lord Polis" and saying were it not for federal rules mandating air time for political candidates, he wouldn't have Polis on.
Marvin was angry that the Boulder Democrat came by the station earlier this week to "badger" his producer about getting on at an earlier time -- during prime commuting hours -- on the 6-10 a.m. radio program. He also claimed that Polis was dismissive about Marvin's plans to devote the first half of the show to the topic of child poverty in Colorado rather than interview him.
According to producer John Turk, Polis said: "You're going to do two hours on that?"
"Oh, excuse us, Jared," Marvin said on the air. "In other words, we should drop the topic and put you on because you're more important than these kids that are living in poverty? You sound like a guy I want to send to Congress -- not."
The Polis campaign said the candidate wasn't being flip about the topic of childhood poverty with Marvin's producer but was pleasantly surprised that the issue wasgoing to get such serious consideration on the show.
"Jared has started five schools for disadvantaged youths," Robert Becker, Polis' campaign spokesman, said Wednesday afternoon. "This is silly."
Becker said Marvin is for the most part making a stink over a mundane scheduling issue that has already been resolved. He said Polis simply dropped by the Denver radio station Tuesday "to say hello" because he was in town.
Becker forwarded to the Camera a chain of e-mails between the campaign and the show.
In it, a campaign staffer asks a couple of times if Polis can be on earlier in the morning today. After Polis shows up at the Denver station himself to make the request, both Marvin and Turk tell the campaign they are getting upset with the way Polis is handling the matter.
"I don't care how much money Mr. Polis has. ... Let me tell you once again: Climb off your high horse and you'll get your candidate on when we say he can be on. Not when you want him on," Marvin wrote in a Tuesday afternoon e-mail.
Becker said the real reason the long-time talk-show host is lashing out at Polis is because he backs the wealthy Boulder Democrat's rival, Joan Fitz-Gerald, in the race for the 2nd Congressional District.
"It's obviously politically motivated," Becker said. "(Marvin) spends a lot of time on the air supporting Joan Fitz-Gerald."
Marvin, who had Fitz-Gerald on his show Monday, acknowledged in an interview Wednesday afternoon his preference for her candidacy but said that has nothing to do with the dispute he is having with Polis.
"I have no ax to grind with Jared Polis, but I don't appreciate having to be put on the spot here because he decided to drop by," Marvin said.
He said he would ask Polis to apologize for coming to the station unannounced and purportedly downplaying the importance of childhood poverty.
Becker said he hopes Marvin will move on to more important topics.
"I would hope he will talk about the issues that matter to voters," he said. "I don't know a single voter in the district who gives a damn about radio scheduling."
Posted by david on June 11, 2008 at 8:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
>> were it not for federal rules mandating air time for political candidates, he wouldn’t have Polis on.
What rule? They eliminated te equal time rule back when Reagan was president. Makes no sense.
Sounds like Polis asked more than once for a different time. Sounds like Marvin is honked off that a guest would ask for a different time.
Sounds like a lot of noise over something pretty minor...
Posted by saffron_mexico on June 11, 2008 at 8:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This is news? A squabble between a hack and a politician's flack?
The media is headed for civil war with itself, mostly because it can't grasp its simple job to report objectively, but also because of its collective, out-of-control ego. Everyone on the airwaves, both radio and tv, is a talking head.
Marvin is a fool for alienating one of the two big-name guests appearing on his little show this year.
Posted by Candidate_Coleman on June 11, 2008 at 9:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"You sound like a guy I want to send to Congress — not.”
And if you want to be taken seriously as a journalist, perhaps using the vernacular of a '90's teen movie is not the best way to go about it.
"He said Polis simply dropped by the Denver radio station Tuesday “to say hello” because he was in town."
In a world of automated phone messages, those of us who still participate in the professional world understand the importance of the personal touch. Having hosted a radio show myself, it is important that a station's personalities carry the professionalism of the entire organization. To make a political event out of a non-issue is perhaps a good marketing scheme, however accusing Jared Polis of badgering for simply being professional looks poorly on the organization, and only has the effect of showing one of Mr. Polis' strengths.
” Robert Becker, Polis’ campaign spokesman, said this afternoon. “This is silly.”
Yes, Mr. Becker it is, Private sector discipline, courtesy, and professionalism will be needed in Washington in order to effect the changes that will be required to heal our economy and foster energy independence. Our next president needs a good congress to do good things. Mr. Polis is the candidate that has the balance of public sector dedication, and private sector discipline. Join me in electing Jared Polis to replace our next Senator Udall as the congressman for Colorado's second congressional district.
Shawn Coleman
National Delegate for Barack Obama
and Supporter of Jared Polis for CD2
Posted by trappist99 on June 11, 2008 at 10:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Couple of questions,
1. Who is Jay Marvin?
2. Why is Polis bothering with him?
More interested in the second answer than the first.
Posted by musicgrinder on June 11, 2008 at 10:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Why the hell is this on the front page? It's barely a gossip item in The Boulder Weekly. Could it be someone at The Camera doesn't like Polis? Hmmmm.
Posted by Candidate_Coleman on June 11, 2008 at 10:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The answer to the second question is that Jared actually likes talking to people, even if they disagree with him, and even if there's no specific political advantage. Effective leaders value all opinions. In order to get all the opinions you have to talk to everybody. The ability to seek out diverse opinions, and the willingness to speak with those who disagree with you is what separates the amateurs, from the pro's in congress.
Posted by elirenfro on June 12, 2008 at 6:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The answer to the first question is that Jay Marvin is an overweight radio-show host sometimes seen doing Rocky's Autos spots with The Shagg Man.
Posted by oilburner on June 12, 2008 at 7:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
david - you are incorrect. The Fairness Doctrine was dropped in 1987. Equal Time still exists.
Posted by gogreen on June 12, 2008 at 7:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
You don't have to read Emily Post to know that if you ask for an invitation, you visit when it's convenient for the host. Sounds like Polis is a spoiled brat. Overweight - what an intellectual, original comment!
Posted by gogreen on June 12, 2008 at 8:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't have a horse in this race, but I am curious about something, Shawn Coleman. Jay Marvin hosted a show at one of the largest radio stations in this country (WLS in Chicago), as well as in Denver. Where did you do your show that makes you such an expert?
Posted by SoBoPop on June 12, 2008 at 8:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I find it objectionable that Polis is trying to buy the primary. How many millions has he spent in this ode to his ego? It's funny that one of his ads brags that he doesn't take money from lobbyists, but then he doesn't need to, as he's got money to throw away on the lost cause of his campaign.
Why would we want someone with such poor judgement and lack of prudence to represent us in Washington?
Not that I like Marvin either, he's a leftist Limbaughlike blowhard.
Posted by meatpieandtatters on June 12, 2008 at 8:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Polis is an elitist wind bag. He's got cash and absolutely no life experience (marriage rising children, struggle with budgets etc.). I could give two cents about his business experience and successes. These are NOT the makings of a good public servant.
In fact, I question Polis' character. The fact that he contentiously argued about air time again shows his entitlement mentality. I'm glad Jay let him have it. He's a doofus.
Posted by AC on June 12, 2008 at 8:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Jay Marvin is a disgrace to liberals. He's a hillbilly huckster/salesman who never opened his mouth except to have a cliche dribble out of it and as a political analyst he's absolutely worthless. His radio station obviously keeps him because he's a shameless nonstop promoter, "Hi, I'm Jay Marvin and I'm here to tell you about — eye surgery, idiot used car dealerships, gutters, cheap mortgage loans, and every other damn thing you can imagine." And oh, by the way listen to my stupid radio show — AIN'T GONNA HAPPEN.
Posted by blacksho89 on June 12, 2008 at 8:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Jay Marvin us the only person on Air America that has ever been listenable. He doesn't use personal attacks, and he allows opposing viewpoints to be heard. Of course he's dead wrong most of the time, but he's entertaining.
He happens to be right about Polis. Stopped clock, etc.
Posted by nuggethillrd on June 12, 2008 at 8:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I wish they would take Jay off the air and put Tom Hartman on in his slot. I don't listen to Jay, I find him with his stupid 9:45 15 minutes to 10 over and over again wearing on my nerves! Go back to Chicago.
Posted by red_howl on June 12, 2008 at 9:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I want to be able to support Jared Polis. But I can't. He's too blind to his own privilege. For Instance, He says he's for public schools, but he supports WATERSHED school, perhaps the most elitist school in all of Denver-Boulder. Watershed will tell you they have scholarships and encourage low income students and blah blah blah. Still, the school staff pits itself against BVSD at every turn--because they can do things with their MONEY (not their ideas, which are flimsy) that BVSD cannot. Good for them. BUT POLIS should not be supporting a private school (especially Watershed)--he should support public education, as his political position states--and he should seek new ways to fund public education. Instead, he films a campaign ad IN FRONT OF THE WATERSHED SCHOOL? This, after throwing Watershed fund raising parties at his home?? Sorry Jared--I believe in what you SAY you believe in--but NOT what your actions show you to believe in. This stunt at the radio station is one more ding. Fitz-Gerald gets my vote 100 percent. And Polis, I started out wanting to support you. No more. No more.
Posted by marlboroman on June 12, 2008 at 9:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I propose a cage match on the Pearl St. Mall between Polis and Marvin. One's grossly overweight, one's a sissy. Whoever is last man standing can be "right" and then move on from this nonsense.
Posted by Candidate_Coleman on June 12, 2008 at 9:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
gogreen-
WQXR (New York) the classical station owned by the New York Times, and KVCU, Boulder, I also hosted their classical show
Posted by SoBoPop on June 12, 2008 at 9:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Battling blowhard buffoons on air now...certainly entertaining!
Posted by PCR on June 12, 2008 at 10:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
That was entertaining. It was nice of Jared to help Jay get some promotion for his show. Jared is good at spending lots of money and marketing, but he's got such a pushy personality that he'll never get elected. This incident has pointed that out. Some people think the best way to the top is to stomp over everyone in their path, rather than to earn it. But Kudos to Jared for the way he handled himself on the radio today--you're nobody until you've been brow-beaten by Jay Marvin--and even then you're still probably nobody.
Posted by HandsomeTodd on June 12, 2008 at 10:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm not sure which of these guys is the bigger idiot/jerk. Both make the Democrats look bad and make me want to vote republican!
Fitz-Gerald is only marginally better, anyone who witnessed her spectacle at the Boulder Assembly knows what I'm talking about. She tried suspend the rules of the Assembly to prevent the most qualified candidate, Will Shafroth, from addressing the assembly. Clearly a champion of 1st amendment rights.
Vote Shafroth!
(I am not associated with Shafroth in anyway, I just like the guy best)
Posted by springerwannab on June 12, 2008 at 10:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Perhaps Polis could buy a radio station?
No one listens to Marvin anyway. Or Polis, for that matter.
Posted by coopersunc on June 12, 2008 at 12:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Listen to the interview from this morning and decide who wins the jackass award.
http://www.am760.net/pages/JayMarvin....
Posted by coopersunc on June 12, 2008 at 12:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sorry, didn't see the link above
Posted by SoBoPop on June 12, 2008 at 3:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
driveby: You're joking I hope. Devil in the details, amendment 41 was poorly written, but sounded good to the (as usual) poorly informed electorate.
Posted by gogreen on June 12, 2008 at 4:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Coleman
Since you were in radio, this one should have been a no brainer for you. Name me 1 radio or TV station in this town that will let someone walk in off the street and talk to an air personality especially considering what happened to Allen Berg.
Posted by Candidate_Coleman on June 12, 2008 at 5:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
gogreen-
Some stations encourage people to drop in while others are Fort Knox. Access to the station is always a management call. No station would give access to host while they were on the air. Aside from hosting for 2 stations I've been a guest on many shows in many stations running the gambit from midwest college radio to CBS studios in New York (I've been on "60 minutes twice), and none of these stations would give access to their host to "just anybody", but all would allow someone with a pending scheduled interview access to the building and to the host of the show they were going to be on, assuming said host, wanted to talk, and wasn't currently on air. If you are a congressional candidate with a pending scheduled interview, you are hardly "just anybody". It apparently wasn't too much to ask for me to drop in on Morley Safer to reschedule, it certainly is appropriate and professional to reschedule on Air America in person. If Mr. Marvin did not want to reschedule, didn't want to talk or simply doesn't like Mr. Polis, fine, however the only plausible motivation to make this much of an issue over mere logistics is political.
Posted by gogreen on June 13, 2008 at 7:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Coleman
You still didn't name me one station here that will allow anyone to just walk in and visit. You're like Polis; you won't answer questions. Either you're lying or someone took you back to see Morley Safer unless you worked there. A candidate is "just anybody" until they're elected. I hate to tell you, but there is a big difference in being a disc jockey and a talk show host. You're right about one thing, Polis making this big an issue out of it was political.
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