Video: Bashir's Non-Response Response After Scolding Palin's 'Illegal' Bus Tour
As NewsBusters reported first, MSNBC anchor Martin Bashir insisted on his May 31 program that Sarah Palin's Northeast bus tour amounted to a "breach in federal law."
After a number of sites linked to the original NewsBusters piece, Bashir responded today to the "abusive messages" he's allegedly endured in the fallout of his controversial remarks, although he avoided addressing his bizarre claim that the former Alaska governor violated federal law by flying the American flag on her tour bus. [Video embedded after the page break.]
"And judging by the number of abusive messages to myself and my family online and on my office voicemail, there's been quite the reaction to my comment regarding Sarah Palin and the real purpose of her bus tour," complained Bashir.
The British-born Bashir went on to flash his green card to prove to his alleged detractors that he is indeed a legal resident: "For the avoidance of any doubt, I want to assure you that I am a legal, permanent resident of the United States. This is my green card."
While the former ABC Nightline anchor doubled down on his contention that Palin is only interested in making money, he explicitly refused to address his most egregious comment.
On Tuesday, Bashir questioned Palin's patriotism and suggested she's a criminal: "In fact, the whole thing could be in breach of a federal law because the United States Flag Code establishes important rules for the use and display of the stars and stripes, the flag of the United States."
But on Thursday, Bashir pretended to have never uttered such offensive bile, even though it was those comments that were the most controversial.
Still waiting for you to "Clear the Air," Martin.
--Alex Fitzsimmons is a News Analysis intern at the Media Research Center. Click here to follow him on Twitter.
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Comments
obamas' defeat will be sweet
Submitted by gAMEoVER on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 5:11pm.
stfu. leave & go home.
Look at that ugly puss. Bullshitir just seethes hatred.
Submitted by SickofLibs on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 5:16pm.
And Mr. Bullshitir needs to be reminded that as a holder of a green card, he is merely a guest of the United States of America, not a citizen.
The reason for the abusive
Submitted by Van Halen on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 5:20pm.
The reason for the abusive messages, Martin, is because you're a raging hypocrite. Have you SEEN what MSNBC does with the flag at the end of your segment?
Also, your attacks on Palin show you to be small and biased. Certainly you would never, ever attack Barack or ME-Chelle this way.
You have nothing to attack Palin on substance-related because she has stuck to her principles since day one. Barack, however has left us with an economy in shambles, three wars - one with a record death toll, $14 trillion in deficits, raided the public pension fund to avoid hitting the debt ceiling, given us skyrocketing gas/food/clothing prices, record unemployment, record number of people on food stamps, foreign policy disasters, lost your own Democrat Party 800 seats last November, and all this while he sets a Presidential record for number of golf games played.
Martin can not say with 'certitude"...
Submitted by bigdaddy on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 5:19pm.
...that those were his words or not. It may have been someone hacking into his show or it may have been a prank.
I have never been more
Submitted by mostlymoderate on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 5:32pm.
I have never been more certain that MSNBC is nothing but anti-American propaganda. Bashir? Maddow? Etc etc
Well, you have to give the
Submitted by bkeyser on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 5:50pm.
Well, you have to give the man kudos for volunteering his time as he does to read what MSNBC calls news.
Of course Bashir falls right back to the position every liberal does when they're called out for their idiocy- 'I'm being threatened in emails and voice messages.' Producto produxi productum testimonium, Bashir; otherwise, take your beating like a man.
Draping the what?
Submitted by CobraMan on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 6:02pm.
Hay, Mister "clear the air," when will you "clear the air" about your lie that Sarah is "draping the flag" over the Bus when, in fact, that is NOT what has happened? Red and white stripes on a white background do NOT make an American flag, "metaphorically" or not (we Americans call those "streamers")! If you're going to, as a "Journalist," report on an American citizen, please have the honor to report the TRUTH, and leave the metaphors to the Poets where they belong.
The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States. The US Constitution
Unless you're a fetus. The US Supreme Court
Or Anwar al-Awlaki.
Minor fact - NOT DEFENSE
Submitted by Deskpilot on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 6:25pm.
The tour bus in question does indeed have an IMAGE of the flag of the United States emblazoned on the nose cap below the windshield. That image IS properly displayed in that the the union field is presented in the upper left as it is viewed by the public. There does not appear to be any other elements nearby, nothing superimposed on is, no other items or markings on the nose cap. Additionally, there are NO commercial markings on the Country Coach other than "Follow on," and "PAID FOR BY" SARAHPAC. It's some really nice art work by the way. Just as fancy as any private citizen might emblazen their private use motorcoach, WHICH IS EXACTLY WHAT THIS IS, rented or not.. Bashir, again proven an IDIOT and schill. Total avoidance of the subject at hand when caught "acting stupidly."
"...that I'm an illegal immigrant. I wonder why they would
Submitted by ProudAmerican58 on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 6:07pm.
think that way."
And what does this have to do with your continually impugning Sarah Palin's character by questioning her motives and her patriotism.
Oh, that's right. When called out by the other side, simply imply that they're bigots.
Limey go home!
One defines oneself...
Submitted by retrocon on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 6:24pm.
Based on how the left characterizes commentators on the right, we can, using their rules, describe Bashir as follows:
He is an extremist, sexist, heterophobic who is incapable of civil discourse.
there, labeled.
Marty
Submitted by Radical1979 on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 6:25pm.
Try to remember we are a capitalist country. Sarah is allowed to make money. I'd be willing to bet she's even creating a few jobs with all of her wealth. As for these attacks you've received, welcome to Sarah's world.
Where?
Submitted by grammajane on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 6:56pm.
Where did this guy come from? msnbc must go to the landfill to find "hosts"
this scum bag will allow burning the Flag-
Submitted by JIMMY1660 on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 6:58pm.
But Sarah can not display it.
You must be kidding that the best yoiu can do?
Get a life.
Here is Martin's real
Submitted by motherbelt on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 7:00pm.
Here is Martin's real response.
A Green Card vs. American Citizenship...
Submitted by gruyere cheese on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 7:30pm.
To become an American Citizen, you have to take an American History test, Government and Politics. You also have to pledge alliance to the American Flag (renounce citizenship of your country of birth, unless you can have dual citizenship; which varies by country) and learn the United States national anthem. The best part is that it gives you the right to vote. Green card holders don't have to do any of this. Makes a big difference doesn't it? Unless Bashir has the credentials, education in American history, politics or how our government is run, he should refrain from making statements such as the stupid one he made on this segment.
Minion lib code, hose them with finger wagging, endless yapping
Submitted by upcountrywater on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 7:36pm.
With no hint of an apology, in there anywhere ...
Green card flipper
Because I love my future country,
I checked up on Flag rules and i found out that Sarah is in compliance, I'm Sorry Sarah, But No.
Even the patient folk @NB cut off your preachy video in mid sentence.
You are a joke Citizen want ah be I'm laughing at you... Half Hour, hour TV a dying venue.
I gag @2 minutes of you on the net.
What on Earth possessed you to mention the Creator.
Don't tell me the first father of a carpet surfing dude crossed you mind at that moment?
Alleged wanna be American, Remember you need to prove an income, and submit to a check up on your charitable giving.
You still cool with that?
You Didn't Build That.
Bashir would fit right in
Submitted by Kingfish17 on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 8:11pm.
Bashir would fit right in with some of the more infamous liberal troll posters here at NB:
He gets some attention, but only the negative kind.
"You can’t go take a trip to Las Vegas...on the taxpayer’s dime." Barack Obama
What is supposed to be illegal?
Submitted by Russian55 on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 8:22pm.
So what if Sarah Palin is going about "draped in the flag" expressing her opinions and making money?
There is nothing illegal about that.
If Sarah Palin can make $20 million in two years, that is far better than being President. The current one has only managed to spend over 300 times that...
---
Those who beat their swords into plowshares will end up plowing for those who kept their swords in the first place!
Hey الخطاف طائر
Submitted by Redrowan2000 on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 8:33pm.
Yes freedom of expression it's great , but it's a 2 way street. Don't you think those people had the right to express there opinion of you? Well, when and if you become an American hating citizen you will learn that freedom isn't free and your comments will have consequences. , the same as everyone else .
"Don't let the bastards grind you down."
If only
Submitted by Dave81 on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 8:54pm.
so many other people we so willing to flash their green cards. =P
It's Olbermann's Cornell
Submitted by Sockpuppet Politic on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 9:40pm.
It's Olbermann's Cornell diploma all over again. What is it with msnbc hosts?
I'd take this clown's
Submitted by the struggler on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 11:49pm.
I'd take this clown's response more seriously if he were sporting a propeller hat.
Why are liberal commentators
Submitted by Chris Norman on Fri, 06/03/2011 - 1:19am.
Why are liberal commentators such crybaby cowards? They say the nastiest things one could possibly come up with about conservatives and, when criticized, hide behind their shopworn claims that they're receiving death threats, etc. Apparently, they think they can provoke, taunt, and character assassinate to their hearts content without any consequences - whether just criticism or threats from loonies - real or imagined.
Flag Burning
Submitted by LaVallette on Fri, 06/03/2011 - 6:50am.
But I bet he is a believer in the right to burn Old Glory!!!