Hillary Campaign Goes To War With MSNBC Over Chelsea "Pimp" Comment

[NewHampster]

Source: Talking Points Memo (TPM)

By Greg Sargent - February 8, 2008, 1:19PM

This is really something. The Hillary campaign has just gone to war with MSNBC, dispatching a top Hillary adviser to launch a lacerating attack on the network on a conference call with reporters moments ago.

On the call, top Hillary adviser Howard Wolfson suggested that there's a "pattern" of reprehensible comments by MSNBC personalities, and said outright that the Hillary campaign could no longer "envision a scenario where we would debate on that network given the comments that were made and have been made."

Wolfson made the comments in response to a question about a now-notorious comment by MSNBC's David Shustser, in which he asked if Chelsea's campaigning on her mom's behalf meant she was being "pimped" by the Hillary campaign...

Read more: http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/02/hillary_campaign_goes_to_war_w.php

---

Finally they take MSNBC to task for their talking heads.

[Mz Pip]

1. Pretty tacky remark

He should be called on it.

Mz Pip
:dem:

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

5. If that remark...

Had been made in the context of Michelle campaigning on behalf of Barak, multiple people would have been fired. And they should be fired in this case, as well. That's inexcusable.

[gaspee]

15. And if

They were said about Michelle, you'd have people screaming "Racist" at the top of their lungs.

I haven't seen too many people at DU very upset about this.

Shuster basically called Chelsea Clinton a whore. No one called the Bush daughters whores, or the Kerry daughters. Not even the Mittens kids -- but it's OK if it's Clinton. Pisses me right off.

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

21. I agree...

It's beyond any reasonable definition of "political commentary." Made even worse when Chelsea has done nothing whatsoever to deserve it. The Bush Twins at least invited a certain amount of derision through their behavior -- but even they weren't subjected to anything like this.

Somebody needs to lose his/her job for this.

[citizen snips]

107. agreed

[TankLV]

169. and what pisses me off more are the obamababies aparently being fine with this slur...

but I've come to expect as much from these idiots...

[Dogmudgeon]

14. He apologized already

I think.

--p!

[Tellurian]

24. Thats was n apology.. that was a white wash over himself as being an asshole!

prefaced by how lovely everyone in the Clinton family is..

By the same token, is Schuster "pimping" for his mother as a regular gainfully employed on msnbc..

The guy needs to be fired and for punishment be the new latrine person at the nbc commissary..

[SleeplessinSoCal]

82. Chelsea was calling super-delegates - that's pimping in my book

[NewHampster]

85. That's a political job

throwing names at the daughter is bullshit plain and simple.

[SleeplessinSoCal]

95. The definition of "pimping"

pimping: "to make use of often dishonorably for one's own gain or benefit" And he said in a weird way.

[Winterblues]

101. Then your book is on par with the Republican play book

Do you even know the meaning of the word Pimp?

[TankLV]

170. nice - another obamababy proving what idiots they are...nice...

[DURHAM D]

32. When David got the first call from Hillary's person he refused to apologize.

He was called last night and sent back a fuck you email. He was given a chance but he was defiant and defensive.

David has been "reporting" dishonestly for several weeks. I have learned that what he (and others) are doing is called "motive journalism". I am glad to have a word for it.

[Tellurian]

40. well...

don't leave me wondering.. define "motive journalism" :)

Is the "motive" short for (e)motive or motiv(ational)?

[DURHAM D]

48. Neither - I learned it from the daily howler.

motive - as in ulterior motive

I was talking with a friend and we agreed the term does not convey the idea very well.

We thought "agenda journalism" would be better but still not spot on.


Any ideas?

[Tellurian]

64. ...

If that is what they call it... it's from a playbook somewhere.. I did have a site some years ago that gave new meaning to the power of words by changing their conventional recognizable definitions in terms defining the same thing otherwise by giving them new terminology.. This process called "neologism" is rampant with the Neocons..

The definition of "neologism" is:

A *neologism* is a word, term, or phrase which has been recently created (or "coined"), often to apply to new concepts, to synthesize pre-existing concepts, or to make older terminology sound more contemporary. Neologisms are especially useful in identifying inventions, new phenomena, or old ideas that have taken on a new cultural context. The term "e-mail", as used today, is an example of a neologism.

Etymology: Greek νεολογισμός , from νέος new + λόγος word, speech, discourse + suffix -ισμός <-ismos> -ism

Neologisms are by definition "new", and as such are often directly attributable to a specific individual, publication, period or event. The term "neologism" was itself coined around 1800, so in the early 19th century, the word "neologism" was itself a neologism.


example:

POW= (new terminology) "enemy combatant"..

[Control-Z]

94. If you have to think about it

then it wasn't much of an apology, was it? Given there even was one.

[Warpy]

68. INCREDIBLY tacky remark

and that's still an understatement.

Of course, they never said a word about Mittens's sons avoiding military service by "serving the country" pimping for their daddy's campaign.

MSGOP is disgusting. The only time I tune in is if I've been warned of an impending Olberman rant.

[wryter2000]

75. I have to agree

I'm a Edwards supporter now favoring Obama, but that sort of talk is completely inexcusable. I'd support anything the Clintons did in response.

[gaspee]

2. Good

And while I like Shuster, that comment was 1000% (I know, not a real number) wrong and he should apologize.

I've stopped watching MSNBC because I hate seeing my heroes, Olbermann and Rachael Maddow, have feet of clay and join in the Clinton bashing.

And I probably won't even vote for her and I'm sick of it.

Implying that Chelsea is a whore being pimped is beyond the pale.

[NewHampster]

8. The thing is Shuster is a good guy

usually. He is the only one always standing up for Hillary, but he screwed up this time.

[gateley]

16. If that's the case, he shouldn't have used the terminology he did.

All campaigns are accused of hauling out their family members to appeal to different segments - it's part of the game. If he'd used less inflammatory language, this probably wouldn't be an issue. From what I gather, he wasn't negatively referring to Chelsea in any way,

[Tellurian]

28. So, it was all an act then.. A sincere person doesn't make those kind of mistakes..

[DURHAM D]

49. I think your view of Shuster may be rooted in his reporting

on Scooter's trial. He has for some weeks been on the dark side.

Don't forget - he used to be with Fox. His mother apparently told him she was not proud of what he had become at Fox so he went job hunting. I bet she is not pleased with him lately.

[la la]

51. I've seen a more subtle change

in Schuster the last few weeks---I think being on MSNBC as a more 'regular' pundit/reporter has gone to his head!

[calimary]

151. And he should DAMNED WELL know better. I mean, REALLY!!!

I only heard about this today - busy doing other stuff - and I'm in shock.

"Pimped"???????????

I hope MSNBC - and NBC in general - has a collective sphincter attack. They probably won't be able to poo for a week. Which would be WELL DESERVED.

I'd expect a low blow like this from the lovely folks at Pox Noise. john gibson would say something like this. But David Shuster!?!?

He should be ashamed of himself!!! Shuster I'd let sit things out for awhile (which is probably killing him), just by virtue of his past performance as a rather high-caliber journalist. One who, again, should know better. He'd get a time-out for - I don't know, a week maybe? On the other hand, if it were chris matthews, with his testosterone-issue crap and his oinking on and on with snarky remarks about Hillary, I'd say "BUH-bye."

[Hugin]

3. What a reprehensible comment...

Really, something needs to be done.

[leQ]

4. good for them. about time they be held accountable. (eom)

[2_CentsWorth]

120. MSNBC - should fire Shuster and Matthews

What kind of individuals does MSNBC hire. When people like David Shuster and Chris Matthews pollute the airwaves with this hateful mysogynistic venom someone has to be held accountable and there must be consequences.
Contact the people listed below who are responsible for Shuster and Matthews -- they should be fired.

Contact MSNBC's:
Mr. Phil Griffin,
Senior Vice President, News
NBC Television Network
30 Rockefeller Plz
New York, NY 10112
[e-mail]

Steve Capus,
President, NBC News
[e-mail]

MSNBC
[e-mail]
MSNBC/Microsoft-NBC
30 Rockefeller Plz
3rd Fl
New York, NY 10112
[phone]

[Lerkfish]

6. I support Hillary in this instance, it was a horrible, nasty remark.

[SleeplessinSoCal]

96. More to the point Murdoch has money in Clinton's campaign....

And he'd love to get rid of MSNBC. The way I see it MSNBC is the future counter to FOX News. Hillary is helping her doner and trying to trash MSNBC.

Think on that!

[NewHampster]

99. Hillary's only concern right now is winning

Then she can worry about the bastards in the media and the others who have benefited from the Reagan deregulation. First she has to win.

Go Hillary

[alstephenson]

124. Oh, pleeeze!

:tinfoilhat:

[Fridays Child]

7. Edit...

He apologized. Let's move on.

[bigworld]

9. Shuster made an inappropriate remark.

He apologized. How much of this is being done to garner sympathy before the next round of voting?

BTW "Pimping someone out" has a far less offensive connotation to the youth of today than it does for the over 40 crowd. I don;t believe there was a sexual aspect meant by his comment.

[NewHampster]

13. Very true but also fair

If you are the Hillary campaign you take ops where you can get them

[gaspee]

19. When and where

Did he apologize. As far as I know, he didn't. Shuster does not have a record of this type of behavior so I, for one, feel an apology ( a sincere one) is in order and should be accepted.

[NewHampster]

23. This morning on Morning Joe

and again tonight

[gaspee]

34. Ah see,

I stopped watching MSNBC (and it used to be my default channel) so I missed it.

[alstephenson]

125. He sort of apologized, NOT very sincerely...

on Morning Joe today. I saw the video on DU earlier, but I don't have the link.

[RaleighNCDUer]

20. Connotations change.

i know back in the early 70s it was meant as 'messing with your head' - as in "ahh, don't mind me, I'm just pimpin' ya".

Got to be careful with something as malleable as slang.

[marshall]

58. That's true, Chelsea herself probably wasn't offended

I do think it's a generational thing, that the use of the word has inevitably changed. To someone in Chelsea's bracket it probably comes across as MTV-speak, implying she is hip and cutting edge.

But one does have to be very careful when using lingo. If the speaker had actually been a young person Chelsea's age it would have no doubt been taken quite differently.

[Warpy]

71. Chelsea Clinton grew up in a political family

and was raised to have a hide like a rhino. Her family knew she'd have to be tough and develop a very thick skin. Unlike Obama, they knew exactly what the GOP far right was all about and they prepared her very well.

Still, in the absence of similar comments about the sons of Mitt and Huckabilly, this is way over the top. It was thoughtless, heartless, and completely unworthy of any commentary on any network that pretends to be a reputable news source.

It's something I'd expect more from Pox News.

[JerseygirlCT]

115. As to the sympathy thing

So long as they didn't create the situation (and I can't imagine how they could have), you use what you get in politics, you know? If the unfortunate remarks allow them some spin by way of offensive treatment toward women, then they're only taking a bad thing and making it better for themselves. I can't fault them there.

[Skittles]

157. it's the bigger picture

they're slamming Clinton in ways they've never slammed men before - it's got to stop. No one said a fucking thing about Romney's boys pimping, OR about the fact none of them ever served a day in the military while strutting for a warmongering prick.

[hedgehog]

10. Let's just not turn Shustser's commnet into a reason to vote for Hillary! nt

[RaleighNCDUer]

26. Neither is it a reason to support her. nt

EDIT:

Oops. Somehow I saw a 'not' when I read it - as in "reason to not support her".

Nevermind.

[Buzz Clik]

11. That waste a tasteless comment. I understand Shuster has apologized (or is scheduled to).

Can you imagine if the GOP candidates started getting in line to demand apologies for all the hideous comments Olbermann has made about them these past months? That would take some time....

[leftynyc]

17. Has Olbermann attacked the children

of those politicians? Because Shuster called Chelsea a whore.

[Buzz Clik]

18. No, he did not call her a whore. Jesus Christ!

There is an inference to political prostitution, which is bad enough.

Damn, even when you people get what you want, you still can't stop whining.

[leftynyc]

69. You see a difference between

Politcal whore and a sex whore??? Both are selling themselves for money. You can try and pretty this up all you like - if he had said it about Mrs. Obama, your head would have exploded and don't even bother denying it.

And what's with "you people"??

[Buzz Clik]

70. You don't see a difference?

This place has gone nuts.

As for the "you people", it's part of the English language. You know, like "fuck you people."

Everytime I think I'm starting to empathize and understand the Clintonistas on this board, something like this happens. Shiny!

Only at DU....

[0007]

172. Anyone that lives in NYC should know better than to make

a statement like that!

[leecorp]

175. MSNBC BIAS

Obama supporter would say, "Its over, Shuster has apologized..." The problem is DEEPER, i.e. MSNBC's & esp. Chris Matthews' Bias. HERE'S A TEST:

All week, at least since so-called 'Super-Tuesday', Hillary has been moving (or staying) ahead of Obama by over 6 pts in the daily tracking polls, (Gallup, Rasmussen, etc.) However, No WORD of these on Tweety's 'Hardball' (although when Obama is ahead or within 2 pts it's highlighted). The latest of such polls covers FEB 5 thru FEB 8. Now, a Newsweek Poll dated Feb 6-7 came out showing Obama 1 pt ahead, 42 to 41 or something. I BET TWEETY HIGHLIGHTS THIS NEWSWEEK POLL AS A "NEW" poll on his Monday 2-11 broadcast, even though as mentioned there are several later polls he has NOT mentioned showing Hillary 6 pts plus ahead, (except he showed one poll's data showing that Obama matches up w/ McCain better than Hillary).

WHAT BIAS!!!. IF TWEETY DOES THIS ON MONDAY LET'S SHOWER MSNBC W/ COMPLAINTS OF THIS PROOF OF BIAS ACTIVITY.

[gateley]

12. Yes, good for them for calling MSNBC on it. Glad to hear it. nt

[rox63]

22. It was a nasty, inexcusable remark

And the Clintons have every right to be pissed off about it. But I also have to wonder why Hillary still wants to do business with Fox News, after all the disgusting things they've said about her and her family.

[bigworld]

43. Because Murdoch gives her money, that's why.

[NewHampster]

44. I have friends that donate to every campaign

So what?

[SleeplessinSoCal]

98. Exactly! People are blinded by petty crap. Shuster is a good guy.

[NewHampster]

103. I happen to think Imus is a good guy too but he lost his job

Those who make their living in the public eye have to be overly aware of what they say.

Goes with the territory and I'm sorry for David as he has been a good guy. It seems that only the good guys like Shuster and Imus loose their jobs while the scum like Tweety go on and on.

[DURHAM D]

25. I have been thinking for some time that Hillary needs to go to war with the press.

David gave her camp the perfect opening. I assume that her surrogates will be out in force. I sure hope so.

I don't think most understand the deep and angry resentment at the MSM for their sexist (unchallenged and not recognized) script and their "motive" journalism. The people that are really angry are not on line for the most part. The roots for the anger started with the impeachment and continued on through Al Gore and John Kerry. They have had enough.

Take 'em on Hillary. There is an army waiting to join you.

[NewHampster]

29. Exactly

About damn time

[TwilightGardener]

27. Time to drum up the sympathy machine, and make a mountain out of a molehill for

attention and donations. Ahh, the smell of righteous indignation in the afternoon!

[NewHampster]

30. Don't you love it

You get it every day on Bama Underground

[Tellurian]

36. You forgot, it's justified "righteous indignation".. theres a difference!

[TwilightGardener]

37. It's justified, no argument, it was a crudely worded remark, and Schuster should apologize.

[NewHampster]

41. Thank you for the truth

[Tellurian]

67. wienerdoggie..

listen to the video in Hammy's link:

http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/02/hillary_campaign_goes_to_war_w.php

Tell me if you think Schuester was sincere..

[Enthusiast]

90. He would never have said it if it was the Bush girls.

I will say it again. The greatest threat to our democracy is this takeover of the entire media by the right wing. The other day Wolf Blitzer had Glenn Beck on as if he had a credible opinion not colored by his fascism. I will not turn CNN back on. Now this! If, by some weird twist of fate, the Democratic party gains the whitehouse and maintains a majority in the congress, the first priority should be to break up these media giants, those with a corporate agenda. I don't think I will have to worry about it because we will not win the presidency, no fucking way.

[Tellurian]

142. All I can say is, I hope we do..and the fight is NOW..

and Trust me, "change" won't come from the puppet Obama..

[lumberjack_jeff]

57. And in return, MSNBC will stop making a news flash of every "emotional" moment. n/t

[The Croquist]

77. This is no molehill this is over the top.

Chelsea is an adult now so it is fair to criticize her but this is beyond the pale. Since when was it considered wrong to campaign for a family member? If this had been said about one of the Bush twins the repugs would have been justified in having a cow. I don't care if it's a "hip" term or not I'm not hip and I'm offended. Lots of African American's call each other the N word. There's a good chance that when Obama was a kid he did it too. That doesn't make it right but he was a kid. I did lots of stupid things when I was a kid too. If he did it today I'd have a cow. It also wouldn't make it right for for MS-NBC to call him that or to say that Chelsea is being "pimped". Calling Jenna Bush a drunk would have been wrong. Apparently MS-NBC agreed, since they never did it.

I'm sorry but this pisses me off!

[Ellen Forradalom]

130. Let's talk about pimping your momma, and see how you feel about that.

All politicians take the stage with their families; wives, children and husbands stump for their relatives...but only Hillary 'pimps' Chelsea?

I DON'T THINK SO.

[lumpy]

31. Unfortunately 'pimp' has become common usage via

programs on MTV and VH1. Being of a certain age, I shudder every time I hear the word. Shuster was certainly way out of line and should have to eat his words. Was he trying to be cute? Not clever.

[SleeplessinSoCal]

100. It was the perfect word for calling super-delegates

Pimp: "to make use of, often dishonorably, for one's own gain or benefit"

[GoddessOfGuinness]

119. I feel the same way...

And I wouldn't blame ANY candidate for getting bet out of shape about it. I know I'd be steamed if anyone suggested I was "pimping" my kids!

[Chovexani]

144. It's like "gay = stupid"

It's offensive and inflammatory, I don't care how much people try to sugarcoat it.

[Carni]

153. Yes, case in point *pimp my ride*

I have no idea what channel that is on but it is a show that I have watched.

I don't think Schuster meant that Chelsea was a whore (although my 70 yr old mother thinks that)

I think he chose his words poorly for prime time...he apologized and I personally am ready to move on.

[Captain Hilts]

33. What would Schuster have said if Chelsea had been a son instead of a daughter? Nothing. nt

[gaspee]

38. Ah

But don't you know there's no such thing as sexism :sarcasm:

[bigworld]

39. What if I said Mitt Romney pimped out his sons to campaign for him?

Is that offensive, too?

I'm sorry, but I don't see Shuster's comments being sexist or misogynist as much as reflecting the political utilization of a surrogate. McCain's pimping out Lieberman. Chuck Norris is out pimping for Huckabee.

I don't want to defend the usage of the term, but pimping has a much different connotation that it used to.

[Buzz Clik]

42. Welcome to the world of PC language.

It's kinda typical -- people are quite selective about when they take offense and who offends them.

A bit disingenuous, but that's politics. :shrug:

[Captain Hilts]

46. To you, perhaps, but not to most people. This is a world where people sell daughters....

because they're seen as a financial burden. That's not part of our world, but it is a lot of places. People DO pimp their daughters into prostitution or marriage to settle debts.

[ronnykmarshall]

35. Go get 'em Hillary!

[WyLoochka]

45. Chelsea is not a little girl anymore

She's a well educated, 28 year old adult who works for a Hedge Fund and is going around the country speaking on her mother's behalf and explaining her policy positions.

The thing Schuster found rather odd, and has been overlooked, is that reporters are not allowed to talk to her on the record, as if she were still 12 years old. That's where the "pimp" thing came in.

If they weren't still over protecting her and screening her from direct contact with reporters, while at the same time using her as a full fledged surrogate, he wouldn't have had made the observation and then commented on it.

[Saturday]

54. That's the stupidest excuse I've heard. Congratulations. n/t

[bigworld]

65. sonoradesertdem isn't that far off the mark.

Chelsea is out there campaigning, is present at most campaign events, and working hard for her mom, which is great, but if she's willing to be out there in public she has to roll with the punches.

Pimp was a bad choice in words, yeah, but she is being strategically used by mom's campaign (just like Kerry's daughters, just like Mitt's sons) and that was the spirit in which it was said.

I think the HRC campaign is exploiting this way too much.

BTW, who released this transcript? MSNBC or the campaign?

[Deny and Shred]

93. The press should be able to speak to her 'on the record?'

Bush wouldn't go on the record, and needed Dick by his side before he'd face Congress, which he didn't do. He wouldn't let Harriet speak on the record, or even allow a transcript. Nobody in the Administration has to own up to anything. Why must Chelsea go on the record?
Family members are involved in campaigns, and going on the record has never been a requirement, and we ought not start holding her to a higher standard.

When I think of the various family members, Clinton's brother, Carter's brother, the Bush twins, among others, Chelsea's handled herself with aplomb. What was she, 13, when Bill took the oath? Nary a misstep. Classy even.
Schuster seems to be trying to smear her for merely being involved. He is NOT a member of the MTV generation, and about the whitest guy out there. I'm not buying the whole hip slang thing, a la pimp my ride. He meant selling herself for her mom.

[TankLV]

171. another obama asshole spewing the indefensible - again...

astounding, isn't it.

but hardly unexpected anymore unfortunately...

[indimuse]

80. She has really added to the YOUTH vote in this election..!

But...That shit is OFF LIMITS!

[alstephenson]

128. Grow up.

[indimuse]

161. who the F*CK are you telling me to grow UP?!!!

Explain your post!

[alstephenson]

127. And as an adult SHE has decided not to talk to reporters on the record.

No matter what the circumstances it was a sexist, inappropriate remark. I can't believe I'm reading some of these comments on a supposedly progressive board. Sad and disappointing.

[NewHampster]

129. very sad

and exactly the point this incident is bringing up

[Xipe Totec]

47. He pulled an IMUS and should resign for it n/t

[burythehatchet]

50. MSNBC - No good. Fox - Good n/t

[hayu_lol]

60. The reason that this may rankle the most is that years ago...

Rush and others were calling Chelsea a DOG. Over and over again on their shows.

Come forward a year or two, and John Derbyshirewrote an op-ed calling for the death of Chelsea Clinton. Later, he claimed he was joking...but his apology fell sort of flat.

This stuff has been pushed on Chelsea time and time again.

No one made any big fuss over Jenna talking for her Dad...only a small fuss for Romney's 5 sons stumping for their Dad{all could have entered the service for Dad's war)and so it goes. Just Chelsea--the one shining example of someone who followed her goals and achieved them.

This was way over the edge.

[FreepFryer]

62. Exactly right. (n/t)

[NewHampster]

63. Way over the edge is right n/t

[Drifter]

52. Does that mean that ...

McCain's Mom is being pimped by the McCain campaign ?

Cheers
Drifter

[NewHampster]

53. Transcript of the declaration of war

Declaration of war is my term.

Transcript:

HOWARD KURTZ: Hi, Howard Kurtz here. Howard, as I'm sure you know, on MSNBC yesterday David Shuster was talking about Chelsea Clinton's role on the campaign. He was complaining about the fact that she calls delegates but doesn't talk to the press and then he said the following: "doesn't it seem as if Chelsea is sort of being pimped out in some weird sort of way." I'm told that MSNBC has apologized. I wonder if you had any reaction to Shuster's characterization and to the networks apology.

HOWARD WOLFSON: I'm not aware that they've apologized. I haven't received any phone call. I'm not aware that Senator Clinton or Chelsea Clinton has received any phone calls so I'm not familiar with any apology. Look, I think that the comment is disgusting. It's beneath contempt. And it's the kind of thing that should never be said on a national news network. There was an apology by another NBC news personality last month on air. I'm not aware that that person ever apologized to the Senator for anything he had said. And I think at some point you really have to question whether or not there is a pattern here at this particular network where you have comments being made and then apologies given. Is this part of a pattern? Is there something that folks are encouraged to do or not do? I don't know, but the comment was beneath contempt and I think any fair-minded person would see it that way. I'll say this. We've done a number of debates on that network. We had agreed yesterday to do a debate on that network. And I at this point can't envision a scenario where we would continue to engage in debates on that network given the comments that were made and have been made.

[Tellurian]

131. Bravo for Howard!

Hit them where it hurts, in the ole pocketbook!

[NoodleyAppendage]

136. Howard Kurtz doing the dirty work of the corporate media interests, I see...

Kurtz is an assclown.

J

[Warren Stupidity]

55. It is about time that our party openly recognized the BMS craptacular.

I have been astounded all primary season at the willingness to participate in debates run by clearly hostile and biased reknucklian operatives from one biased Bullshit Media System outlet or another. I don't seem to recall the reknucklian debate hosted by Olberman, maybe I missed that one? There was a brief boycott of False Noise, but they are just not even bothering to pretend at all that they are remotely objective. MSNBC, CNN, and the broadcast networks are all just about as biased, if not quite as willing to be overt about it.

[ConcernedCanuk]

56. I'm not surprised by those here that defend using the word pimp re Chelsea Clinton -

.
.
.

after all

ya let Dubya ruin your country

and it's reputation.

[desi]

72. Agreed

It appears, no it is obvious, that some from a certain camp have dismissed the slur as if it was simply somebody talking about "pimpin' my ride."

K&R

[boricua79]

59. David Shuster should watch his mouth

don't ever call someone's child, essentially, a whore.

That's horrible.

Glad the Clintons are saying NO.

[FreepFryer]

61. Shuster made a seriously stupid mistake. However, Hillary can't ban MSNBC and yet go on Fox. (nt)

[Oskie]

66. Aw...Shuster...is Morning Joke brainwashing you to be a sexist

mouthpiece like he is? Or did Chris Matthews give you one of his "I HATE HILLARY" t-shirts? He wears it everyday and y'know it's really getting stinky.

[Poppa]

73. Making MSMBC scumbags accountable for their personal attacks on the Clintons

Although I am currently not a supporter of Senator Clinton in her campaign for President, I applaud her and her adviser Howard Wolfson for standing up to MSMBC (or is it MSRNC?) and one of it's talking heads David Shuster for his hateful remarks about Chelsea Clinton. Tweety Matthews, Joe Scarborough, Pat Buchanan, et. al. have tried their best to defame Senator Clinton by using the only method they know i.e., character assassination. Now they are attacking Chelsea by using the same sick method. Why anyone with one ounce of decency would ever watch those despicable low lifes is beyond me. Good on Clinton and Wolfson for fighting back against such scum.

[NewHampster]

76. MSRNC - Love it n/t

[foerschie]

74. In the end

this will be good for Hillary. She is protecting her daughter and all the stay at home Mom's in the world who couldn't relate to her will now have a reason to admire her.

[avrdream]

78. There does seem to be a pattern on this network.

I only get to watch Fox down here (CNN goes international a lot) and even they don't say crap like that.

[indimuse]

79. They are all quite discusting!

They have been attacking Hillary and her family for a while now...won't and haven't watched for 2 months!! They suck! And I hope they pay!

[Javaman]

81. Imagine Walter Cronkite saying such a thing?

this is how far our media has fallen. Once upon a time the media only reported the news and social trends, now they are enablers of stupid colloquialisms. who makes the news? what makes the news? what is news? what is reported as news?

fucktards. They are an absolute disgrace.

[Miss Chybil]

92. Absolutely. nt

[HuffleClaw]

83. this is just the start

i expect we'll be treated to months of 'poor me!' but i doubt it will work in her favor

[notundecided]

84. NBC Suspends Shuster

Just out at 3:15 PM : Check out NY Times Politics

[NewHampster]

86. nothing there about suspension

[NewHampster]

87. I just found it

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/02/08/clinton-campaign-threatens-to-boycott-msnbc-debates/

[Tellurian]

132. We sent in a host of complaints to msnbc..last night

Here is my letter:

Dear editors,

I am repulsed at the thought of you and your advertisers having people represent your program that would say things daring to all but stigmatize a family member of a Presidential Candidate.

I refer to David Schuster asking: "whether the Clinton's are pimping out their daughter" And following up with the obviously phallic comment of wanting to shove a microphone in her face"?

How can I accept anything your network does as news worthy, when your news staff speaks with reckless, insulting abandon against the daughter of a former President and perhaps a future president.

At the very least, Mr. Schuster should be relieved of his position of reporting responsible news but NOT before a FULL meaningful apology retracting his statement regarding Ms. Clinton is produced . It is about time your network gave Women the same respect that you give any other group. Until you do, consider the thousands if not millions of viewers and advertisers you have offended having Mr. Schuster express himself in outrageous sexist terms.

Sent to both e-addys:

Tell

maybe my foot left an imprint on Schuster's buttocks.. I can only hope!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=4467257

[AngryAmish]

88. Pimpin' ain't easy

[bigworld]

97. It's hard out there bein a pimp

[ShortnFiery]

89. Yes, we all must realize that those with the surname "Clinton" or "Bush" are Political Royalty.

Therefore, their adorers will go absolutely bat-shit-crazy with false outrage.

This serves the Poltical Royals of both parties very well.

And far too many of us "little people" fall for it. That's just plain SAD. :(

Now BOTH Tweety and Schuster will go out of their way to "slobber all over" EVERYone who supports Hillary.

Mission Accomplished Hill-Bots! :puke:

[NewHampster]

91. Not Shuster

He's lost his job already

[liberal N proud]

102. How is that different than what Imus said?

They canned him.
Limpballs says absurd crap like that and nothing happens to him. And now the MSM obviously gets away with it.

Further evidence of the mainstream corporate media driving the election.

[NewHampster]

105. Rush owns his show

and won't fire himself.

[liberal N proud]

112. But his show airs on Armed Service radio

Which you and I pay for!!!!!!!

[NewHampster]

113. That I didn't know

grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

[BooScout]

104. What's even sadder......

Is the fact that some people here seem to dismiss the 'pimping' comment as being ok since they think any offspring of Clinton is fairplay.

To those I say.........it is NOT acceptable to use any such comment to any woman. Period. How would you like it if your mother, wife or daughter was accused of 'pimping' for you?

[NewHampster]

106. It doesn't even have to be Chelsea

Any woman, in fact anyone working on the campaigns should be treated with some similar level of respect across the board.

[laylah]

108. Though I am not a Hillary

supporter, I find that f***face's comment re: Chelsea, reprehensible! I hope she (Hillary) comes out and uses ALL of her "dry powder"! That low life MSM bastard, corporate whore from hell obviously has no Mother or he would know how one would respond to such a low-life, ignorant attack! How DARE he speak like that of Chelsea, the BEST First Daughters since Carolyn and Amy! Sic 'em, Hillary :mad: My children and their dad don't call me their "Little Wolverine" for nothing. I hope Hillary decimates that little bastard!:nuke:

[NewHampster]

109. He's been suspended already

but I don't want to calm you down. :)

[MarkInLA]

110. Don't offend the Clintons...or ELSE!

This whole event seems so typical of the Clintons to me. Glad I voted for Obama. :)

[NewHampster]

111. What the F would you have said if a reporter

said that about Michelle Obama? Is the campaign pimping her?

What would you asses have said?

[MarkInLA]

118. It's a figure of speech. I'm not that tightly wound. Sorry. I enjoy my life. (n/t)

[Psephos]

147. I would have said the reporter may be a boor, but thank god the press doesn't kowtow to the royals

What has happened here is that the Royal Clinton Family has decided it can not be publicly offended, even if that means pulling rank and overruling the independence of commentators in the press. MSNBC has no big ones, that's clear.

Meanwhile, a sizable number of posters here think having an independent press is marvelous unless someone in the press says something they don't like.

The only speech that actually needs defending is speech we *don't* like.

Again, the reporter was boorish. But so are people who forget that the Constitution protects boorishness. Read any DU thread for evidence that boorish expression is the grass of politics.

[durrrty libby]

158. Hey hypocrite..if Shuster had said that about Mrs Obama

he would be called racist and he would be de-balled. Try a little honesty

It won't kill you

[NewHampster]

165. 4 days 23 hours

[durrrty libby]

173. Pappiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii

It's Truck Day WooHoo

[JerseygirlCT]

114. I'm not sure I like this headline at all

I'm actually not a Clinton supporter, but this makes it sound as if her campaign is somehow at fault here. The remark was pretty tacky, and it never should have happened. I wouldn't be too happy about it if it were directed at my daughter. So why make it sound as if they're starting a fight here?

I like Shuster, generally. But he blew it. He'll have to pay for it, which is as it goes. Words and actions have consequences, even the ones that you wince at yourself and think "why did I just say that?".

Now, if the campaign makes more of this - by making it as if it's about more than one reporter saying something stupid - then perhaps a headline like this makes more sense.

[NewHampster]

116. The headline was taken directly from

TPM

[JerseygirlCT]

117. Oh I understand that. Not knocking the OP, just whoever

actually wrote that headline and put the story in that context.

[1love]

121. People sometimes choose stupid language...

They apologize and move on. For example,

LOUIS (AP) -- Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton apologized for joking that Mahatma Gandhi used to run a gas station in St. Louis, saying it was "a lame attempt at humor."

The New York Democrat made the remark at a fund-raiser Saturday. During an event here for Senate candidate Nancy Farmer, Clinton introduced a quote from Gandhi by saying, "He ran a gas station down in St. Louis."

After laughter from many in the crowd of at least 200 subsided, the former first lady continued, "No, Mahatma Gandhi was a great leader of the 20th century." In a nod to Farmer's underdog status against Republican Sen. Kit Bond, Clinton quoted the Indian independence leader as saying: "First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win."

The director of a U.S. center devoted to Gandhi's teachings said the remarks amounted to stereotyping and were insensitive.

After being approached by The Associated Press to clarify the remarks, Clinton suggested in a statement late Monday that she never meant to fuel the stereotype - often used as a comedic punch line - that certain ethnic groups run America's gas stations.

"I have admired the work and life of Mahatma Gandhi and have spoken publicly about that many times," Clinton said. "I truly regret if a lame attempt at humor suggested otherwise."

Michelle Naef, administrator of the M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence, a Memphis, Tenn.-based organization founded in 1991 by a Gandhi grandson, credited Clinton and her husband, former President Clinton, with long having "supported the Gandhi message." But she said Saturday's remarks "could be incredibly harmful."

"I don't think she was, in any way, trying to demean Mahatma Gandhi," Naef said. "To be generous to her, I would say it was a poor attempt at humor. Perhaps I'm overly sensitive, but I find it offensive when people use stereotypes in that way."

[JBoy]

122. What made his comment worse, is that he clearly prepared the line

He was talking with some radio guy, and got interrupted half way through his "pimp" comment, which gave him a sizeable opportunity to rethink what could have started as an off-the-cuff remark. The fact that he followed through with it means it was a pre-meditated slur.

I therefore find him guilty of first-degree douchebaggery.

[NewHampster]

123. I'm laughing but it really did suck

and his apology just now seemed very, "you will read this David".

[Tellurian]

133. And it wouldn't be too far a reach thinking this would be something

Tweety would have put Schuster up to.. just for sh*ts and giggles, thinking Schuster could get away with it!

[NewHampster]

134. then Tweety owes Shuster big time

[Tellurian]

141. Tweety's cheap.. I bet most of his friends think he's a leech..

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

126. Publicity.

Free adverstising of a sort.

[NoodleyAppendage]

135. MANUFACTURED CONTROVERSY...nothing more. Free media time and attention. Common ploy.

I see that Hillary is hard up for cash, making her ad buys less plentiful, so she gets "Lurch" and "Snedley" to drum up a manufactured controversy to generate media time that they otherwise could not afford.

Smart political move, but typical of the scummy politics of yesteryear. And, why again is she the "agent of change?" :rolleyes:

J

[PhiBetaCretin1]

162. Yours is a white-male kind of comment

:thumbsdown: You don't understand the subtleties of language and their use in gender politics. :thumbsdown: You don't think that gender-bias does, and is going to, play a role in Hillary's candidacy among some lesser-intelligent voters? Misogyny is one thing that Hillary can - and must - tackle as the first woman allowed to reach this high.

What an ignorant thing to say, relating this to her financial situation.   :mad:

[NoodleyAppendage]

176. Politics is warfare by other means. Tough sh*t if you can't see that or handle it.

Chelsea Clinton is 27 or 28 years old. She's not a child anymore. She's been calling superdelegates for her mother and actively working for her campaign. This makes her fair game for questions from the media.

This whole incident is an opportunistic ploy by Hillary's campaign to "make a mountain out of a molehill" and deflect attention away from Hillary's sinking campaign.

You have your misogyny claim. Well, I have my bigotry claim against you...are you voting for the best person for the job, or because she's a woman? Honest answer, now.

J

[Xenotime]

137. As they should. This RW media is out of control

[melody]

138. Now I'm really beginning to wonder if the Clintons aren't actually doing the work of the right wing

I would think that assertion ridiculous except they are attacking the lone bastion of ANY mainstream liberal discussion.
Now I am genuinely beginning to wonder.

[NewHampster]

139. that lone bastion is a

Sexist pig

[melody]

140. BULL -- I'm a feminist, it's not sexist in the least n/t

[Chovexani]

143. You may want to brush up on your feminism

If you can't recognize blatantly sexist language. Just a thought.

Start with bell hooks and go from there.

[mtnsnake]

146. You say "BULL"? haha, you're some feminist!

lol

[mtnsnake]

145. Hillary ROCKS. She doesn't take shit from any of these networks pushing for a McCain/Obama election

Everyone on DU should thank their lucky stars that one of our candidates, Hillary, is such an incredible fighter!

[Rockerdem]

149. I wish HRC would show this much passion about the Iraq war

Shuster's language was indefensible. But it's a frickin molehill compared to the mountain of death and destruction that Clinton helped unleash on other helpless people that she doesn't seem to care a whit about.

She's still cold to me for that reason. Sue me.

[robcon]

148. It was an awful remark. Shuster will lose his job, IMO - and that would be appropriate.

His comment was way beyond over-the-top.

[cyr330]

150. It's about goddamn time. . .

There has definitely been a double standard in reporting on the Clinton campaign. I am not even one of Hillary's fans, and I've been quite shocked at how biased the media is towards anything to do with the Clintons. I certainly don't blame Hillary for refusing to debate on MSNBC. They are reprehensible.

[bluestdogest]

152. Wolfson is on it.

Well, that is definitely a intelligent use of resources.

[cottonseed]

154. Fox is more their speed anyways.

MSNBC is becoming a progressive voice in cable news. Clinton probably doesn't have a place there anyways.

[NewHampster]

155. are you talking about the most progressive

candidate we have? Hope is not progressive. Hillary just about invented liberalism and the progressive goals you probably follow.

[fujiyama]

156. That's in really bad taste

"pimped"? Seriously...I mean she's her daughter....Were the Romney sons pimped by Mitt?

What a dumb comment.

[Orsino]

159. But still funding the war? Check.

Still not repealing the Bankruptcy Reform Act? Check.

C'mon, Senator. Don't use up all your outrage before you take office.

[uncertainty1999]

160. Shuster should use his grown-up words! Gutter language belongs in the gutter, not on MSNBC.

[lancer78]

163. I don't know

every person in congress is technically a "prostitute". They take money for special favors.

[Emillereid]

164. I think it may say more about the deterioration of our common language

as anything - I hear younger people use the term pimp to simply mean 'doing the work of.' Is there any record of Shuster using the term in another context? Does he really think Chelsea is being 'used' by her mother's campaign? It certainly was a stupid thing to say.

[NewHampster]

166. It doesn't matter

He is on the public airwaves and should not be using any kind of slang that might be taken poorly. Period.

And it is really just an example of the sexism we are fed up with. Tweety giving Hillary no credit for her own success. People laughing at the guys who held the signs saying Iron my Shirt. Endless chatter about her laugh, her ankles, her hairdo, her pantsuits. Anything to avoid talking about what Hillary is actually saying.

[Brrrp]

167. Why is everyone so excited about this?

This story has gotten more comments than stories about massacres in Iraq. This reveals people's idiotic priorities on this site.

[TankLV]

168. Good for them - they're FIGHTERS - just what this country NEEDS right now...

FUCK MSNBC and that asswipe...

GO HILLARY!

[NewHampster]

174. kick

:kick: