Meaning: The quote provided by Al Franken, a well-known comedian and political commentator, touches on the issue of dishonesty and the role of the media in holding political figures accountable. In this quote, Franken expresses his focus on the Bush administration and their propensity for lying, as well as the complicity of a right-wing media in allowing them to evade consequences for their actions.

Al Franken is known for his outspoken liberal views and his willingness to critique conservative figures and policies. In this quote, he specifically targets the Bush administration, which was in power from 2001 to 2009 under President George W. Bush. During this time, the administration faced significant scrutiny for its handling of various issues, including the Iraq War, the response to Hurricane Katrina, and the use of controversial interrogation techniques.

Franken's assertion that the Bush administration "do a lot of lying" reflects the widespread criticism and accusations of dishonesty that were leveled against the administration during its time in office. These allegations of falsehoods and misleading statements were a source of intense debate and controversy, leading to a lack of trust in the government among many Americans.

Furthermore, Franken highlights the role of the media in enabling the Bush administration to evade accountability for their actions. He specifically references a "right-wing media" that, in his view, allowed the administration to "get away with a lot of stuff" that they would not have been able to in a different media environment. This critique speaks to the broader issue of media bias and the influence of partisan outlets in shaping public perceptions of political events and figures.

During the Bush administration, the media landscape was marked by a significant divide between conservative and liberal-leaning outlets. Fox News, in particular, emerged as a prominent conservative voice, while other outlets such as MSNBC took a more liberal stance. This partisan divide often led to contrasting narratives and interpretations of political events, contributing to a fragmented and polarized media environment.

Franken's assertion that a different media environment would have held the Bush administration more accountable suggests a belief in the power of the media to shape public opinion and demand transparency from political leaders. His critique of the right-wing media reflects a broader concern about the role of journalism in upholding democratic values and promoting honesty and accountability in government.

In summary, Al Franken's quote captures his focus on the dishonesty of the Bush administration and his criticism of a right-wing media environment that he believes allowed them to evade consequences for their actions. His words reflect a broader concern about the role of the media in shaping public perceptions of political events and the importance of holding political leaders accountable for their words and actions.