There are a few liberals who have been mocking the idea that the incoming Democratic Congress, or an Obama FCC, may try to reinstate the Fairness Doctrine, a Truman-era regulation governing political content on the airwaves that could effectively shut down talk radio. This, despite the fact that Nancy Pelosi, John Kerry, and Richard Durbin (who may make a play for Senate majority leader) have all voiced their support for such a rule. This morning, New York senator Charles Schumer also made the case for the Fairness Doctrine to Fox News:
Sounds like Schumer takes it pretty seriously, doesn't it? This is a political fight that the Democrats are likely to lose, however. Talk radio has a huge constituency that was able to kill two immigration bills during the last two Congresses. Couldn't it also be mobilized against the Fairness Doctrine? And don't forget that liberal talk radio, though nowhere near as popular as its conservative cousin, would also be upset if the Democrats try to shut it down. What are the chances that Ed Schulz will be complicit in ending his own career? (A tip of the homburg to Michelle Malkin.)