Coffman's response to 9News Truth Test is in greater need of context than the ad itself

by: Jason Salzman

Tue Oct 23, 2012 at 10:07:19 AM MST

Reporter Chris Vanderveen fact checked the ad, as part of 9News' admirable "Truth Test" series, and he found it to be true, but he mocked it for a severe lack of context.

I was surprised at this, because, I thought the ad was pretty straight forward. Too dramatic for my taste, but the ad isn't targeting me (or the three people who read my blog).

The basic fact is that Coffman opposes embryonic stem cell research, which has huge medical potential.

"Hey Mike, any plans to talk to Kyle Clark at 9News?"

by: Jason Salzman

Wed Jun 27, 2012 at 11:10:02 AM MST

Caplis told Coffman, "You never ever ducked us," which definitely ain't what 9News and other media types have been saying lately about Coffman's refusal to answer questions about his statement that Obama is not an American in his heart. (Coffman's dodgings led Democrats to mock him on a website, AskCoffmanAnything.com, unveiled today.)

If I were Silverman, I couldn't stomach complimenting Coffman for his grand openness when he's in the midst of hiding from most reporters in town.

I'd ask him, "Hey Mike, any plans to talk to Kyle Clark at 9News? Or Steve Kelley at KNUS?" (Coffman has been refusing to talk to both.)

Radio Host to Congressman: "You're Not Coming on to...Pump Yourself Up"

by: Jason Salzman

Wed Jun 20, 2012 at 07:45:53 AM MST

He told his listeners May 25 that, maybe, Coffman's comments weren't "worthy of a major apology," and he wanted to talk to the Congressman about it.

But Coffman, who'd been on Kelley's show "many, many times," wasn't returning phone calls, and Kelley was getting increasingly pissed.

So Kelley, a conservative talk-radio host who's been amping up his attacks on Obama in recent months, took a stand that you wouldn't expect to hear on rightie radio.

Kelley said on air that he'd give Coffman four more days to call back. After that, since Coffman was refusing to return calls during a tough time, Kelley wouldn't accept Coffman's requests, as he had in the past, to come on the radio show and promote himself and his agenda.

Kelley: When Mr. Coffman's people call and say look, he's got an initiative, he's got this, he'd like to come on the air--

Kelley's Co-host: A ribbon cutting ceremony.

Kelley: Yes. The answer is no. Thank you very much. You weren't willing to come in during a heated time. You're not coming on to tout and pump yourself up.  I don't care what party you are.  I don't care if I happen to agree with your politics. You're not going to - you know, that's not how you manipulate and use the media, at least, you're not going to here.

A "Weenie" or a Hero? Coffman's Twisted Birther Apology

by: Jason Salzman

Sat Jun 16, 2012 at 09:41:19 AM MST

It's been so gripping that it's worth a quick review, especially because a new installment will almost certainly play out on your TV screen soon.

You recall that when 9News first aired "Coffman's Birther Moment," with Coffman's insult of Obama, Coffman said he misspoke, and he apologized, but not fully. Coffman stated:

COFFMAN: "I don't believe the president shares my belief in American Exceptionalism. His policies reflect a philosophy that America is but one nation among many equals," the statement read. "As a Marine, I believe America is unique and based on a core set of principles that make it superior to other nations."

Written as if to send a wink to the birthers out there who might have been offended by Coffman's remorseful correction about Obama's heart.

This is just the kind of undercurrent that you'll find this summer in the trashy novels you'll be reading on your front porch.

Can Coffman, who Supports Personhood & Calls Social Security a Ponzi Scheme, Have a Moderate Image?

by: Jason Salzman

Thu May 17, 2012 at 12:47:27 PM MST

I'm tainted, I know, and possibly unable  to fathom the mainstream image of Coffman, but my perception is that Coffman is pretty far to the right on the political spectrum, a far cry from a "moderate."

So I called Ciruli to find out if, indeed, he thought Coffman had a "moderate image."