12/16/09-by Bridgette P. LaVictoire
There is a reason why every article that I write about Dr. Rachel Maddow gives her full title. Well, there are two reasons, to be honest. I spent the better part of my life in academia, and put a great deal of store in titles. The more important reason is that Dr. Maddow does, in fact, have her doctorate. In this case, she has a Doctorate of Philosophy In Political Science, or PhD. Poli Sci. Dr. Maddow got her doctorate as a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University. It should not be surprising that former Representative Richard Armey, PhD Economics, is dismissive of Dr. Maddow’s qualifications to comment upon the political situation in this country. Dr. Armey, who has his PhD from North Texas University, recently decided to be derisive in his condemnation of Dr. Rachel Maddow over her exchange with Senator Thomas Colburn, MD over the rather virulent and hateful signage at several Republican attended rallies. For the record, Senator Colburn has his doctorate of medicine from the University of Oklahoma Medical School and is an obstetrician. Dr. Maddow and Senator Colburn had an exchange on Meet the Press regarding the rather hateful and nasty tone that the Republican Party and their supporters had taken in the Health Care debate. Dr. Maddow has every qualification regarding discussion of this particular issue.

Dr. Armey stumbled through his condemnation of Dr. Maddow, who it is believed has one of the few doctorates among television presenters. Throughout the segment, Dr. Armey mispronounced her name, calling her Rachel Maddox, and using a very horrendous Texas accent to attack her as a Television Personality rather than ever actually knowing what her qualifications are. This is a typical attack point by the Conservatives. Attack the educated or “intelligentsia” with derisive sneering attacks meant to make them sound better than the “common folk” without ever actually pointing out that they, themselves, have very strong educations. Many of the leaders within the GOP have their doctorate of law, and are as far removed from the common folk as imaginable.

What follows is Dr. Maddow’s clip of Dr. Armey speaking as well as her own reactions.

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