Wonks or shills: Who are we listening to on cable news?

Paid political commentators are also partisans and even campaign operatives -- at the same time. Is there a conflict?

Tim Pierce

Partisan aides from the political past, failed candidates -- even staffers in current campaigns -- are on the payrolls of cable news networks. CNN recently cut ties with long-time commentator Donna Brazile, who's also the interim chair of the Democratic National Committee. Frank Sesno, Director of the School of Media at George Washington University, is a former White House correspondent and anchor for that same cable news network,CNN.