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2009-03-24 Home Front: Politix

Latest Addition to the CNBC Payroll: Former DNC Chair Howard Dean

Is CNBC caving to its critics on the left?

It might appear so now that former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean, also the former chair of the Democratic National Committee, was officially named a CNBC contributor on the March 23 "Squawk Box" by co-host Joe Kernen.

"Joining us for the next two hours, former DNC chair and Vermont Gov. Howard Dean, who is as of today a CNBC contributor," Kernen said.

CNBC had also named Tony Fratto, a former Bush administration Deputy Press Secretary as a contributor to the chagrin of some on the left. Kernen remarked Dean's status as a contributor was an effort to show the network was "balanced."

"You are now a commentator governor," Kernen said. "And, I'm not saying we want you to tone it down necessarily, but actually we don't because this is cable, so you need to ratchet it up a little bit if you can."

The financial network has been the focal point of liberal criticism after CNBC Chicago Mercantile Exchange floor reporter Rick Santelli and "Mad Money" host Jim Cramer launched scathing criticisms on the Obama administration for its policies, and received direct attacks from White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs.

Dean had been guest host on CNBC's "Squawk Box" on other occasions, since stepping down as DNC chairman in January.

The former Vermont governor was a 2004 Democratic presidential candidate and was made famous by the "Dean scream" following a loss in the 2004 Iowa caucus. He was also endorsed by global warming activist, former Vice President Al Gore, in his 2004 bid.

Posted by Fred 2009-03-24 00:00|| || Front Page|| [11128 views ] Top

#1 Sounds like they should be called CDNC

Posted by crosspatch 2009-03-24 01:05|| 2009-03-24 01:05|| Front Page Top

#2 yes, we will all turn to CNBC just so that we can get financial advice from Howard Dean and an old Bush Deputy Press Secretary. LOL!

It's like they WANT to run themselves out of business.

Posted by Bill Croluper8091 2009-03-24 05:30|| 2009-03-24 05:30|| Front Page Top

#3 YeahahAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH !

Posted by Besoeker 2009-03-24 08:24|| 2009-03-24 08:24|| Front Page Top

#4 CNBC has strived to maintain a degree of balance in many of its political commentary and debates. Dean is obviously a sop to its critics but it is harmless because most viewing will know Dean's views and he will be well controlled. A bit like having Bill Kristol write Op-ed pieces [until recently] for the NYT. They had Jared Bernstein on for a while to give the left view until he was appointed Joe Biden economic adviser. And Larry Kudlow, in particular often has the rabid and vertically challenged Robert Reich opposite Steve Moore.

Posted by Omoter Speaking for Boskone7794 2009-03-24 09:19|| 2009-03-24 09:19|| Front Page Top

#5 http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y25/mluphoup/HowardDean.jpg

Posted by Anonymoose 2009-03-24 12:24|| 2009-03-24 12:24|| Front Page Top

#6 I often wondered how CNBC could have a Squawk Box without a true Squawker.

Posted by Jack is Back!">Jack is Back! 2009-03-24 13:31|| 2009-03-24 13:31|| Front Page Top

#7 Omoter Speaking for Boskone7794
you make it sound like anyone who is interested in financial advice would care what Dean or an ex-Bush Press secretary says. It seems to me "the critics" to whom you refer care little about the markets but care greatly that the market is reflecting the danger of Obama's policies, or lack thereof. So they are adding noise to drown out the information. It didn't work for the newspapers and it won't work for CNBC's ratings. People who watch to see what the market is doing will just turn it off. But then, that's probably the idea.

Posted by Gluting Fillmore6653 2009-03-24 14:37|| 2009-03-24 14:37|| Front Page Top

#8 Au contraire Gluting Fillmore6653. I watch CNBC every morning until the market opens and then I ignore it until Kudlow comes on. Prior to the market commencing there are some excellent guests who give very valuable perspectives on a range of issues, not just the market. In that context, having each side of the debate represented is reasonable and acceptable. However, during the day, it is just noise and of little value.

Posted by Omoter Speaking for Boskone7794 2009-03-24 17:36|| 2009-03-24 17:36|| Front Page Top

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