Seems McCain isn't bothered too much by this pig....no surprise....
Imus Calls His Suspension 'Appropriate'
Updated 10:40 AM ET April 10, 2007
By DAVID BAUDER
NEW YORK (AP) - Radio host Don Imus, suspended for two weeks for calling the Rutgers female basketball players "nappy-headed hos," called the punishment appropriate Tuesday but stressed, "I am not a racist."
"What I did was make a stupid, idiotic mistake in a comedy context," Imus said on his show Tuesday morning, the final week before his suspension starts.
Asked by NBC "Today" host Matt Lauer if he could clean up his act as he promised on Monday, he said, "Well, perhaps I can't." But he added, "I have a history of keeping my word."
The radio host tried to shift some of the focus from himself, saying, "that phrase originated in the black community. ... I may be a white man, but I know that these young women and young black women all through that society are demeaned and degraded by their own black men and that they are called that name."
Imus said his staff had been trying to set up a meeting with the Rutgers players to apologize, but he said he didn't expect forgiveness. Of the two-week suspension by MSNBC and CBS Radio, he said: "I think it's appropriate, and I am going to try to serve it with some dignity."
Members of the Rutgers team and coach C. Vivian Stringer planned to speak publicly about the comments later Tuesday.
The Rev. Al Sharpton also appeared on "Today" and called the suspension "not nearly enough. I think it is too little, too late." He said presidential candidates and other politicians should refrain from going on Imus' show in the future.
Comic Bill Maher, CBS News political analyst Jeff Greenfield and former Carter administration official Hamilton Jordan all appeared on Imus' show Tuesday.
Imus, who appeared on Sharpton's syndicated radio program for two hours Monday, accused the minister of lacking courage for refusing an invitation to appear on "Imus in the Morning." Sharpton said he couldn't tell people not to watch the show and then appear on it. "It's not about courage," he said.
MSNBC, which telecasts the radio show, said Imus' expressions of regret and embarrassment, coupled with his stated dedication to changing the show's discourse, made it believe suspension was the appropriate response.
"Our future relationship with Imus is contingent on his ability to live up to his word," the network said late Monday.
Imus, who has made a career of cranky insults in the morning, was fighting for his job following the joke that by his own admission went "way too far." He continued through the day Monday, both on his show and Sharpton's.
The Rev. Jesse Jackson, who marched with about 50 protesters Monday outside NBC offices in Chicago, said Imus' suspensions will not halt the protests.
"This is a two-week cooling off period," Jackson said. "It does not challenge the character of the show, its political impact, or the impact that these comments have had on our society."
Imus could be in real danger if the outcry causes advertisers to shy away from him, said Tom Taylor, editor of the trade publication Inside Radio. The National Organization for Women is also seeking Imus' ouster.
Imus isn't the most popular radio talk-show host _ the trade publication Talkers ranks him the 14th most influential _ but his audience is heavy on the political and media elite that advertisers pay a premium to reach. Authors, journalists and politicians are frequent guests _ and targets for insults.
He has urged critics to recognize that his show is a comedy that spreads insults broadly. Imus or his cast have called Colin Powell a "weasel," New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson a "fat sissy" and referred to Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell of Colorado, an American Indian, as "the guy from `F Troop.'" He and his colleagues also called the New York Knicks a group of "chest-thumping pimps."
On Sharpton's program, Imus said that "our agenda is to be funny and sometimes we go too far. And this time we went way too far."
He started the firestorm a day after the Rutgers team, which includes eight black women, lost the NCAA women's championship game to Tennessee. He was speaking with producer Bernard McGuirk and said "that's some rough girls from Rutgers. Man, they got tattoos ..."
"Some hardcore hos," McGuirk said.
"That's some nappy-headed hos there, I'm going to tell you that," Imus said.
The Rutgers comment struck a chord, in part, because it was aimed at a group of young women at the pinnacle of athletic success. It also came in a different public atmosphere following the Michael Richards and Mel Gibson incidents, said Eric Deggans, columnist for the St. Petersburg Times and chairman of the media monitoring committee of the National Association of Black Journalists. The NABJ's governing board, which doesn't include Deggans, wants Imus canned.
"This may be the first time where he's done something like this in the YouTube era," Deggans said. Viewers can quickly see clips of Imus' remarks, not allowing him to redefine their context, he said.
On his show Monday, Imus called himself "a good person" who made a bad mistake.
"Here's what I've learned: that you can't make fun of everybody, because some people don't deserve it," he said. "And because the climate on this program has been what it's been for 30 years doesn't mean that it has to be that way for the next five years or whatever because that has to change, and I understand that."
Baseball star Cal Ripken Jr., who was to appear on Imus' show Tuesday to discuss a new book, canceled the appearance.
"He didn't want anyone getting the message that he agreed in any way, shape or form with the comments," said John Maroon, Ripken's publicist. "It was the right thing to do."
The "Today" show's Al Roker said Tuesday on his show's official blog that it was time for Imus to go. "I, for one, am really tired of the diatribes, the 'humor' at others' expense, the cruelty that passes for 'funny,'" Roker said.
Even Howard Stern of Sirius Satellite Radio, a big fan of unrestricted content, mocked Imus' apology, according to the New York Daily News. "He's apologizing like a guy who got his first broadcasting job," Stern said. "He should have said, '(expletive) you, it's a joke.'"
Arizona Republican Sen. John McCain, whose presidential candidacy has been backed by Imus on the air, said he would still appear on Imus' program.
"He has apologized," McCain said. "He said that he is deeply sorry. I'm a great believer in redemption."
Imus' radio show originates from WFAN in New York City and is syndicated nationally by Westwood One, both managed by CBS. The show reached an estimated 361,000 viewers on MSNBC in the first three months of the year, up 39 percent from last year. That's the best competitive position it has ever achieved against CNN (372,000 viewers).
Imus' fate could ultimately rest with two of the nation's most prominent media executives: CBS Corp. chief Leslie Moonves and Jeff Zucker, head of NBC Universal.
"He will survive it if he stops apologizing so much," said Michael Harrison, publisher of Talkers. Imus clearly seems under corporate pressure to make amends, but he's nearly reached the point where he is alienating the fans who appreciate his grumpy outrageousness.
Even if he were to be fired, he's likely to land elsewhere in radio, Harrison said.
Imus was mostly contrite in his appearance with Sharpton, although the activist did not change his opinion that Imus should lose his job. At one point Imus seemed incredulous at Sharpton's suggestion that he might walk away from the incident unscathed.
"Unscathed?" Imus said. "How do you think I'm unscathed by this? Don't you think I'm humiliated?"
___
Associated Press writers Deepti Hajela and Jacques Billeaud in New York and Nathaniel Hernandez in Chicago contributed to this report.
Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
posted on April 10, 2007 11:59:17 AM
What a TOTAL CROCK of pure unadulterated HORSE-POOH...
Let's examine EXACTLY what Don Imus DID:
HE MADE A STUPID, INSENSITIVE, RACIST very small COMMENT!
For THIS he should lose his JOB????
WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH THIS COUNTRY ANYMORE???
PLEASE, Jesse-J, SHUT UP! Ye with the HAREM of MISTRESSES, should NOT be the first to throw stones...
When Louis Farrakhan called Judaism a "gutter religion" you couldn't come up with excuises fast enough to EXCUSE that scub-bag...SO, SHUT UP, ya HYPOCRITE!
And same goes for REV AL, a racist of a different stripe! TRUTH means NOTHING to this clown (remember the PHONEY RAPE CASE???) -- SO, YOU TOO CAN SHUT UP!
What a bunch of SILLY NONSENSE! The guy said a STUPID comment -- on a show FAMOUS for STUPID COMMENTS!
How about a little proportionality here???
The absolutely silliest statement (STUPIDIER than the original INSULT from IMUS was from RUGTERS U, which sanctimoniously intoned:
"We are exploring our options..."
WTF?????
WTF is wrong with this country anymore???
disgusted Tom, by not only IMUS'S stupid insenstive comment, but by the STUPID reaction to it...
posted on April 10, 2007 02:42:24 PM
Oh please! The outrage!!!
There is no possible way I could care less about this, but it is amusing to point out:
If this was a conservative or a Republican politician telling a joke at a PRIVATE gathering, there would be the relentless pounding in the press, with EVERY member of the whack police calling for draw and quartering.
Imus goes on his syndicated public radio show and says something and the barest erg happens.
Maybe he'll have to go to rehab for the bazillianth time.
posted on April 11, 2007 05:01:19 AM
#1: I (and virtually NOBODY) defends what DON IMUS said...It was STUPID + INSENSITIVE + RACIST...
#2: What I AM objecting to is the over-the-top reaction to ONE PHRASE out of the 20 hours/week of yacking he does, with the silly DEMANDS that he get fired over a mistake...
#3: If black leaders (Jesse; Rev Al; etc) are so incensed over "offensive speech," a wonderful place for them to start would be with the vile FILTH and RACIST NASTINESS which comprises the vast majority of RAP so-called "music."
#4: Where is their RIGHTEOUS INDIGNATION when Louis Farrakhan spews his hate speech? Hours & hours; years upon years of the most vile nasty hate spewing! Nary a mild rebuke from these paragons of virtue...
#5: IMUS made a very small comment which is an obvious racial slue -- he has endlessly APOLOGIZED to so-called "Christian" black community leaders...THAT should be the end of it!
I can guarantee ya that Don Imus has helped vastly more African-American children (DIRECTLY) than ole Mr PHONEY RAPE CHARGES Rev Al...
#6: One of the silliest comments I've ever heard in my life was that "options" comment from RUGTERS! Imus did NOT rape a puppy! He did NOT murder his wife and her waiter-friend! He did NOT start a war in IRAQ based on LIES...
He's a radio shock-jock who's livlihood depends on trying to be over-the-edge funny; 20 hrs/week; year after year...
BRAVE AMERICAN BOYS are being murdered in IRAQ for NOTHING...Dumbo has sold out the USA TREASURY to the CHINESE...The AMERICAN AUTO INDUSTRY is on the brink of being consigned to the dust-heap of history...
Tom, I can sympathize with your indignation concerning the outrageous emphasis on this racist comment relative to the lack of concern to the Bush lies that have disgraced our country leading to the loss of so many lives. But I think it is wrong to minimize one egregious error by comparison to another egregious error or to excuse Imus's racist remark because rappers or blacks do it too.
Racism is wrong regardless of the situation or participants.
posted on April 11, 2007 07:26:13 AM
I recognized #1 in my first sentence. My objection is the effort by his supporters to minimize his racist remark simply because others make racist remarks. See # 3, 4, and 6....all relative excuses that don't float.
posted on April 11, 2007 07:52:52 AM
Perhaps sharpton and jackson should take some time from whining and start doing something to change the black youths racism and constant degrading of their own black women.
That's not too much to ask.
But I remember when Bill Cosby DID speak out against this garbage....the liberals had a FIT. Who was HE to be telling them change was needed and that THEY had to start with cleaning up their own community?
There's Michelle Malkin's website where she gives examples, THEIR top of the chart songs, of what the black rappers are making BIG money selling.
posted on April 11, 2007 08:31:09 AM
What you whack pack members don't get is that "free country" also means free to be a racist.
You go through this elaborate bs about Imus bad and then say too bad when, for example, Catholics, Christians, and Fundamentalist wackos are presented with Magglethorpe's "Piss Christ".
You hypocritical morons should write down in your Left Wing Guide to the Daily Life:
posted on April 11, 2007 08:32:26 AM
I grew up with lots of siblings.....
By the time I was FIVE YEARS OLD
I had learned through older siblings
that with our very intelligent parents
when you got in trouble
the STUPID, JUVENILE excuse of
"But they did it, too!"
just didn't cut it.
It did NOT make our actions right....no matter what ANYBODY ELSE DID.
I understand the point that there is so much corruption coming out of the present administration that should be receiving more attention....including it's war on women and the middle class...
but evil things come on little cat paws and
I believe the SEXIST/RACIST remark by Imus earned the kind of reaction it got and hopefully all PUBLIC comments like that will and SHOULD earn the same kind of outrage.
This country, which includes women and blacks, needs MORE outrage at what's being done to it....not less.
posted on April 11, 2007 09:26:23 AM Duhsquirrel says, "What you whack pack members don't get is that "free country" also means free to be a racist."
What a dumb remark! You are also "free to be" a liar, a corrupt politician etc. etc. etc. Just keep in mind that you may have to face the consequences.
posted on April 11, 2007 09:29:05 AM
"""here they just were defending NAMBLA's free speech rights to condone and advocate MOLESTING our children yesterday"""
fluff, who is "they".
I gave proof that YOU advocate child molesting/stalking.
""The left always uses that phrase.....'if you don't like it - don't watch it [don't tune in/etc]""
I didn't know duhsquirrel was a leftist !!!!!
Free speech and racist/sexist hate speech are two different things....only the most ignorant cannot tell the difference.
posted on April 11, 2007 09:40:22 AM
Linda, As usual, you lump all liberals into one opinion, without any proof that we all think exactly the same.
Speaking for myself only, I think Imus is a jerk who said a hurtful, racist, sexist remark which was made more abhorrent because it was directed at a group of young women who are the American ideal for our youth. Their acomplishments, hard work, grace and enthusiasm should be an example to all. What Imus said, though dispicable, was not illegal and comes under freedom of speech. However, freedom of speech comes with a price, so be prepared to suffer the consequences of your racist, sexist remarks in the form of criticism, accusations of being racist/sexist,anger,loss of revenue, etc.
posted on April 11, 2007 09:59:32 AM "Linda, As usual, you lump all liberals into one opinion, without any proof that we all think exactly the same."
Coincoach, you must know by now that Linda has NO basis for the allegations that she makes against Liberals here. If you really understood our thoughts, I believe that you would be proud to be aligned with any liberal here.
In any event, you don't need to defend yourself against a clown like Linda.
posted on April 11, 2007 10:28:10 AM
Were you in the thread where these idiots were defending the aclu for supporting a group of national CHILD molestors, CC?
And yes, I don't hold a very high opinion of most liberals. Didn't say DEMS....liberals. They're thinking is just too screwed up.
As has been noted here....NO ONE defended Imus....so don't even go there with me.
But yes, I LOVE pointing out all the hypocrite liberals who argue just the opposite position when it's FREE SPEECH they don't think should be said. And then they want to HANG that person.
But let hate speech or any other speech that they AGREE with be said by anyone....and they'll sing their old song and dance.....just as desquirrel pointed out.
He also pointed out, and I agree with, the way to ALLOW people to say whatever they want. You don't like it? Then you too are asking for THEIR free speech to be taken away.
And I see you don't mention how many lefties use this same type of speech.....but rather continue your diatribe about how people should act. BOTH SIDES or only those whose speech you don't LIKE?
posted on April 11, 2007 10:35:43 AM
Linda_K, would you please give your definitions of 'liberals' and 'Dems' and 'lefties' so I can distinguish who you are referring to when you label everyone with these names.
"""As has been noted here....NO ONE defended Imus....so don't even go there with me."""
fluff, I'll go wherever I choose and YOU won't tell me what to do!
Using YOUR reasoning, SOME neocons in here haven't said one word against what Imus said which, again, according to YOUR reasoning, means they APPROVE!
""But yes, I LOVE pointing out all the hypocrite liberals who argue just the opposite position when it's FREE SPEECH they don't think should be said. And then they want to HANG that person.
But let hate speech or any other speech that they AGREE with be said by anyone....and they'll sing their old song and dance.....just as desquirrel pointed out."""
fluff, if Hillary Clinton, or anyone else said such a gawdawful thing I would be on their case and SO WOULD YOU!!!!!!! You won't even say ONE qword against what was said !!!!!
"""He also pointed out, and I agree with, the way to ALLOW people to say whatever they want. You don't like it? Then you too are asking for THEIR free speech to be taken away."""
fluffbrains, it's sad that you just can't tell the diffetrence between hate speech and the right to free speech.
posted on April 11, 2007 10:48:55 AM
Gutless? YOU haven't posted a reply to my post.
The EO is NOT the place for this silly bickering, "fluff".
This is the place for silly bickering and ANYONE who is interested can read what is posted here.
posted on April 11, 2007 11:20:32 AM
Linda_K, can you answer my question please? I'd really like to know the difference.
Linda_K, would you please give your definitions of 'liberals' and 'Dems' and 'lefties' so I can distinguish who you are referring to when you label everyone with these names.
posted on April 11, 2007 11:26:22 AM
"Free speech and racist/sexist hate speech are two different things....only the most ignorant cannot tell the difference."
See, I KNEW you were on the board that approved "P*ss Christ" as non-hateful!
Was Helen there too???
And as to "consequences", I'll guarantee Imus' ratings don't change a bit. When this happened, there was no huge outrage. It was on page 5 and after days of hype by the press, Big Al and Jessie posed for the cameras. Still they don't seem to be getting much mileage out of it, so the whole thing will soon be dropped. The corporate 2 week suspension to support the pc flag and a media circus. Done.
Are YOU a Bunghole?
