The McLaughlin Group
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The McLaughlin Group is a long-running weekly public affairs television program in the United States, where a group of five commentators discuss current political issues. Four of the commentators - John McLaughlin, Tony Blankley, Pat Buchanan, and Eleanor Clift - are usually present alongside one "guest" commentator.
Each episode focuses on around four issues. Each issue is introduced and briefly explained by McLaughlin, and then an open debate begins. The show is best known for the quirky style of McLaughlin, who is fond of making witty predictions based on current events, and of asking questions in absurd ways. One phrase he often uses is: "On a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 representing impossibility and 10 representing complete metaphysical certitude, what is the chance of...?". He often ends the show by yelling "Bye-bye!" after the final question. For the show before Thanksgiving, aired 11/21/2004, he shouted instead "Happy Thanksgiving, Gobble Gobble!"
His style has been parodied by many comedians and other commentators, most notably Dana Carvey of Saturday Night Live. The program has also been included in a few major films, including Dave, Independence Day, and Mission: Impossible.
Current McLaughlin panelists
- John McLaughlin: host
- Tony Blankley: editorial page editor, The Washington Times
- Pat Buchanan: MSNBC
- Eleanor Clift: contributing editor, Newsweek Magazine
- Clarence Page: columnist, The Chicago Tribune
- Lawrence Kudlow: CNBC
- Mort Zuckerman: owner, New York Daily News, U.S. News & World Report
- Lawrence O'Donnell: senior political analyst, MSNBC
- Michael Barone: senior writer and columnist, U.S. News & World Report
- Vaughn Ververs: National Journal, The Hotline
- James Harding: The Financial Times