July 1, 1996: Open Lines
Jul 1, 1996
2h 52m
0:00 / 0:00
Art Bell opens with sharp commentary on the arrest of the Viper Militia in Phoenix, a group caught stockpiling automatic weapons and 400 pounds of ammonium nitrate while planning attacks on federal buildings. He draws a firm line between patriotism and terrorism, challenging listeners to consider which side they would choose if armed conflict erupted in America. The night's news also covers the Saudi Arabia bombing investigation, Secretary Perry's refusal to answer questions about denied security requests, and the mysterious death of actress Margot Hemingway.
The bulk of the program becomes an extended analysis of why the American public remains unmoved by the FBI files scandal despite polls showing 68% believe the White House acted improperly. Art develops his theory that the Republican Party has become the party that cried wolf, exhausting public attention through years of allegations from Whitewater to Travelgate that never reached the President. Callers from across the political spectrum weigh in, with many agreeing that constant hammering from conservative talk radio has numbed voters to genuine scandals.
The episode captures a pivotal moment in 1990s political culture, with Art making an earnest case that Bob Dole must find a way to reveal his core beliefs to voters or face certain defeat. His open invitation for Dole to appear on the program reflects the unique influence late night radio held during this era.
The bulk of the program becomes an extended analysis of why the American public remains unmoved by the FBI files scandal despite polls showing 68% believe the White House acted improperly. Art develops his theory that the Republican Party has become the party that cried wolf, exhausting public attention through years of allegations from Whitewater to Travelgate that never reached the President. Callers from across the political spectrum weigh in, with many agreeing that constant hammering from conservative talk radio has numbed voters to genuine scandals.
The episode captures a pivotal moment in 1990s political culture, with Art making an earnest case that Bob Dole must find a way to reveal his core beliefs to voters or face certain defeat. His open invitation for Dole to appear on the program reflects the unique influence late night radio held during this era.