Could Al Franken have purchased this kind of publicity? I think not.

Sadly, humor of any self-deprecating kind is alien to the suits and circus performers at Rupert Murdoch's "news" empire.

In taking Franken to court, Fox lawyers argued that "Franken is neither a journalist nor a television news personality. He is not a well-respected voice in American politics; rather, he appears to be shrill and unstable. His views lack any serious depth or insight."

This, I remind you, is from the people who employ Sean Hannity and Bill O'Reilly and give Matt Drudge and Ann Coulter more air time than most non-Republicans. Strictly speaking, can any of the Fox News "team" be considered any more a "journalist" or "news personality" (emphasis on the "news") than Franken, who I don't believe has ever said he was either?

Have Fox's lawyers ever watched their own channel? It is essentially programmed by and for the shrill, unstable and depthless.

- Brian Lambert