What They Should've Said!

The only way I can bring myself to watch cable news programs (other than Keith Olbermann's admirable "Countdown") is to talk back to them, pretty much continuously. Sit with me while watching CNN or MSNBC and my side of the conversation will sound something like this: "You idiot, he just said that ... Oh, there's a great question ... If you're going to keep showing that clip, take down the LIVE graphic ... Stop talking. Now!" 

Today, thanks to the Comments feature of this blog, we're going to turn that exercise into a game. Please join in and help make it America's fastest-growing fill-in-the-blank sensation. Winner gets the DVD of his/her liking from my rockpile. We'll call it

What They Should've Said!

Here's how we play.  I'll quote you the actual transcript of an exchange between a well-paid TV journalist and his/her newsmaker interview guest.  I'll also quote what the guest said. YOU offer the alternative comeback that the guest should've used.  Ready?

CNN, "The Situation Room," Thursday, Aug. 11, 2005

WOLF BLITZER (who, by my count, averaged 19.5 mentions of "The Situation Room" per hour during the first week of the show): We're out of time, but a quick question. I want to put a picture up. You're not going to see it, but it's you in the situation room in the West Wing of the White House. The former vice president is there. Your former national [security] advisor. It's a good picture. You're now in the CNN SITUATION ROOM, at least via satellite -- how do you feel?

BILL CLINTON: Well, I like being in the other situation room, but I like this one better: There's less pressure and more freedom and I know I can walk out on you. I couldn't walk out of those other situations.

WHAT HE SHOULD'VE SAID: Oh, Wolf, if you were any more of a corporate shill you'd be answering to the director of communications.

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Okay, so my id isn't very clever ... but this isn't about me, it's about you.

What should Clinton have said? Click Comments to see other entries and to add your own. Game's over when I say it's over. Good luck!