Scarborough Won't Smile at Mika's Michelle Obama Defense

Scarborough Won't Smile at Mika's Michelle Obama Defense

By Mark Finkelstein (Bio | Archive)
February 19, 2008 - 07:50 ET

Update | 3:50 PM: Obama Campaign Clarification: As predicted, the Obama campaign has clarified Michelle's remark. See text at foot.

I sense there's often more than a bit of theater in the arguments between Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski. Not to say Morning Joe's the WWF of political talk, but a little conflict never hurt the ratings.

But there was evidence that this morning's dust-up between the duo was for real. At one point, Scarborough disclosed that a producer had told him through his earpiece to put on a smile, but Joe wasn't buying.

The subject was Michelle Obama's statement that "for the first time in my adult lifetime, I am really proud of my country."

Scarborough opined that whereas the flap over Barack borrowing a line from friend Deval Patrick wouldn't hurt him, the attitude Michelle expressed could. Mika rose to Michelle's defense, and the fight was on.

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JOE SCARBOROUGH: That is the type of phrase, and I think we all around this table have said how much we like and respect Michelle Obama, but that is the type of phrase that makes so many Americans just jolt up. Think about it! For the first time in her adult life, she is proud to be an American. I can name you a hundred times that I had chills because I was American. I remember -- I wonder if she was proud to be an American in 19--

MIKA BRZEZINSKI: I have no problem with what she said, but OK, go ahead.

SCARBOROUGH: So Mika you have never been, in your adult lifetime, you have not been proud to be an American?

BRZEZINSKI: I'm saying that if am Michelle Obama I have the right to say that.

SCARBOROUGH: No, answer my question.

BRZEZINSKI: But she is an African-American woman living in this country, she may have a different viewpoint than you or me.

SCARBOROUGH: So African-Americans looking at the Berlin Wall going down in 1989 had no reason to be proud to an American?

BRZEZINSKI: I think you're injecting something in this statement that is not --

SCARBOROUGH: What am I injecting in this statement? You're the one that injected her race.

BRZEZINSKI: No! I think she is really proud of what's happening right now, and for the first time she can actually use those words.

SCARBOROUGH: Yes, but you don't say for the first time in my life -- since my husband is winning a presidential contest -- I'm proud to be an American.

BRZEZINSKI: Oh, I beg to differ. I think it's fine what she said.

That's when Joe pulled back the curtain on the cues he was receiving.

SCARBOROUGH: Mika, are you telling me that a woman in her 40s -- No, I'm not going to smile! Don't tell me to smile. Good God! I'm serious, can you really live -- that's somebody in my ear telling me to smile. [NB: Joe is seen in the screencap gesturing at the earpiece through which the message came.] Hey, how do you like my sweater? Can you really tell me, Mika Brzezinski, that you understand --

BRZEZINSKI: It's not about me.

SCARBOROUGH: Why somebody in their 40s could have no reason to be proud an American of the United States of America, the freest country in the world?

BRZEZINSKI: I can tell you that I sat down with her, and I realized there was a lot of different ways of viewing life in this country, and that you and I might not understand --

SCARBOROUGH: Well hey, I've worked with kids in Anacostia [a poor, black area of DC]. I understand there are different ways to view America. I mean, I understand.

BRZEZINSKI: Look, her words say --

SCARBOROUGH: But this woman, my God! Where did she go to law school?

BRZEZINSKI: "For the first time I'm really proud of my country."

SCARBOROUGH: Where did she go? Her resume --

BRZEZINSKI: It doesn't mean she wasn't proud in the past. This is the first time she's really proud of her country. I don't have a problem with this.

SCARBOROUGH: I have a real problem with somebody who has had the life that she has had, has been able to do the great things that she has done --

BRZEZINSKI: Ummm.

SCARBOROUGH: Has a husband who's on the cusp of doing wonderful things because --

BRZEZINSKI: She has been able to do great things amidst --

SCARBOROUGH: Are you just going to interrupt? If you're going to keep interrupting me, then I'm just going to let you talk. Go ahead.

BRZEZINSKI: She's been able to do great things amidst many "no's" in her life. Many people saying "no, no, no."

SCARBOROUGH: Yeah, but you know what? Because she's an American she can fight through those "no's" and do great things, which she has, whether it's going to Harvard Law School [NB: and Princeton undergrad] or whether --

Mika then turned to Willie Geist. The conflict-averse co-panelist had stayed entirely out of the fray.

BRZEZINSKI: Willie, we are now fighting.

SCARBOROUGH: Well we are. We are.

The camera panned to show a clearly uncomfortable Willie.

BRZEZINSKI: Just so you know.

SCARBOROUGH: It stuns me. Listen, if she made a mistake and said this off the top of her head, it happens, and you can take it back. But for you to sit here in the comfort of this studio and say you can understand why somebody can live as long as she has lived and not be proud of America until her husband takes a lead in a presidential race --

BRZEZINSKI: "Really" proud.

SCARBOROUGH: Is disturbing to me.

BRZEZINSKI: OK. We have to go to a break.

SCARBOROUGH: Can you do that with a smile? Sort of a chipper "we'll be right back"?

BRZEZINSKI: I can. Hey! Have a good morning, everybody.

SCARBOROUGH: Hey, good morning!

BRZEZINSKI: Weather's next!

SCARBOROUGH: Weather's next, with Jackie [Meretzky]. She's proud to be a Canadian.

My take: Michelle Obama's statement might play in certain sectors of the Dem primary electorate. But the overwhelming majority of all Americans love this country and find much to be proud of about it. The repetition of Michelle's remarks would be poison in a general election. Look for her to lose them, and likely "clarify" her statement at some point.

Update | 3:50 PM: Obama Campaign Clarification:

The Obama campaign has promulgated this clarification.

Obama campaign spokeswoman Jen Psaki said the candidate’s wife wasn’t trying to knock her country, only underscore the meaning behind her husband’s campaign.
The point is that of course Michelle is proud of her country, which is why she and Barack talk constantly about how their story wouldn’t be possible in any other nation on Earth,” she said. “What she meant is that she’s really proud at this moment because for the first time in a long time, thousands of Americans who’ve never participated in politics before are coming out in record numbers to build a grassroots movement for change.

—Mark Finkelstein is a NewsBusters contributing editor and host of Right Angle. Contact him at mark@gunhill.net.

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Cup of WTF

February 19, 2008 - 08:00 ET by dronetek

A little later on Chris Mathews says all kinds of gems like "Our national religion is hope" and apparently our fore fathers built this country with hope, not action.

I actually heard that and

February 19, 2008 - 10:29 ET by Gat New York

I actually heard that and could not help but laugh at his being a little over the top.

Mika really put her foot in

February 19, 2008 - 08:00 ET by McGruff

Mika really put her foot in her mouth here.

MIKA BRZEZINSKI: I have no problem with what she said, but OK, go ahead.

SCARBOROUGH: So Mika you have never been, in your adult lifetime, you have not been proud to be an American?

Joe tried to throw her a life line but she refused to take it. Smile!

What is is

February 19, 2008 - 08:03 ET by allanf

I wonder if SAT's were Mika's strong suit. Mika believes the word "really" modifies "proud" in the sense of "extremely proud". I think that Mrs Obama, a Harvard Law graduate, is capable of expressing herself precisely and did.

Mrs Obama meant what what we all thought she said. Let's not argue over what the word is is.

liberal racisim

February 19, 2008 - 08:08 ET by dronetek

Notice how the first thing Mika does is play the race card. This is one reason why liberals are so dangerous. I mean, she actually believes that a black person has such a completely different life, that we dumb white folks just dont understand. Its vield racisim not only against black, but whites. This woman is the most vapid human being ive seen on TV in a while.

Yeah, I love the race card.

February 19, 2008 - 11:00 ET by WhoIsJohnGalt

The race card only works one way. During my first months in the US Navy (1980) I was selected as an enlisted man to attend the Naval Academy under a program that annually permits several enlistees to attend, rather than the typical appointment process. It was an unbelievable opportunity for someone whose parents had always disliked and steered me away from education. Long story short...a Navy career counselor neglected to submit portions of the paperwork on time and when I checked on the status, he told me it was too late, that I waited too long. I requested to see the captain of the base, who promptly relieved this inept Chief, but the damage was done. My billet was filled with another sailor, and next year I was too old. A once in a lifetime opportunity was gone forever. Oh, the incompetent career counselor was black. But did I scream "racism"?. No, because it was an incompetent individual, regardless of his color. Now I don't want to hear from someone who was accepted to Harvard Law and given all the opportunities that she's had about how she's been wronged as a black person(is that what she's saying, Mika?), and now earns WELL into the six figures and who's husband is the front-runner for POTUS!!! She goddamn well has more reasons to be proud to be an American than most, and if she and Mika don't see it, maybe there's something wrong with them!

Just wait

February 19, 2008 - 08:11 ET by true_texan

Michelle or her publicist will come out and state that her words were misconstrued and taken out of context, then in the next breath will blame the right for trying to spin her words to mean something totally different than what she actually meant while the lefty libs cheer her for standing up to da man!

GMTA, TT. Note my final

February 19, 2008 - 08:13 ET by Mark Finkelstein

GMTA, TT. Note my final para: "Look for her to . . . likely "clarify" her statement at some point."

Yep

February 19, 2008 - 08:20 ET by true_texan

I saw that on my 2nd read thru (sorry, by time I got thru the transcript I was shaking my head too much at Mika's total obliviousness to catch your statement)

Mika does it again

February 19, 2008 - 08:12 ET by Superman

I'm not really surprised by Mika's comments today that she's not proud of America. Her left wing, blame America first ideology has been showing through for a while now. From her reporting of the latest bombing in Iraq with a bit of glee, to her blaming America for the plight of polar bears, Mika sometimes has an ideology more fitting for a far left blog than NBC. Mika may not be proud of America, but I am.

This is awesome... GO JOE!

February 19, 2008 - 08:16 ET by AJSHOPE

This is awesome... GO JOE! At least he's been acting like an American recently (instead of a liberal).

No Joe....

February 19, 2008 - 08:44 ET by dronetek

Please, he just does this kind of thing occasionally to get right leaning viewers. You'll notice he goes on to say how wonderful Mrs. Obama is and praises her. Than in later segments he will completely buckle, like in the later interivew with Chris Mathews.

Is there a Finkelstein factor on Morning Joe?

February 19, 2008 - 08:50 ET by Dee Bunk

I'm really shocked at how much Joe has been actually agreeing with conservatives lately. Is the conservative criticism getting to him? What's the deal?

On a side note

February 19, 2008 - 08:55 ET by kg

On a side note is it true that Obama is 50% Caucasian from his mother's side and is 43.5% Arabic, 6.25% African Negro from his father's side?

Anyone?

Words Matter

February 19, 2008 - 09:39 ET by Bacchus

In my opinion, it was a dumb thing to say and it's just as dumb to try to defend it.

Maybe Obama meant to say, "In my adult life, I've never felt prouder..." But she didn't. She said, "For the first time in my adult life..." There's no defense.

I think Mika is defending what Obama meant to say because she can relate to the sentiment (y'know, that feeling thang). It doesn't work that way, Ms. B.

Words matter.

Duplicate

February 19, 2008 - 10:02 ET by marpel

Duplicate

February 19, 2008 - 10:01 ET by marpel

Duplicate

I saw this scuffle

February 19, 2008 - 09:50 ET by marpel

I saw this scuffle. I have never been so ashamed that Mika B is a fellow American. She's a liberal shill.

When I heard what Michelle Obama said, I thought, "I can think of so many times I have been proud as hell to be an American. The rallying of the nation and citizens during 9/11, the pride we have in our troops fighting for our freedom, when the Berlin wall came down, when American citizens rallied to the aid of Katrina victims." It goes on and on... I am a 54 year old white woman. I never had the same opportunity as the Obamas to be educated at Harvard. I was not the correct color. I went to my local University and am damn proud of my own accomplishments. And every single day, I am "really" proud to be an American.

Mika, keep on with what you're doing. Proud Americans already have your number.

Mika

February 20, 2008 - 02:56 ET by Xango Annie

Not surprising knowing who her dear Dad is!!!! I wonder if he enjoyed his little trip to butt kiss Dr. A in Syria on behalf of OBAMBI....

I hope the undecided

February 19, 2008 - 09:50 ET by jcrapes4

I hope the undecided voters are paying attention to comments like that. I know I have said I would not vote for McCain but if Obama gets the nod I doubt I will have a choice in that matter.

Sorry for 3 comment postings

February 19, 2008 - 09:52 ET by marpel

My computer is jacked up. :o)

Marpel - you can go in and edit two to just say "duplicate"

February 19, 2008 - 09:54 ET by Dee Bunk

so that they take up less room.

Thanks

February 19, 2008 - 10:00 ET by marpel

Thanks, I'll try to do that.

There are many explanations

February 19, 2008 - 10:31 ET by Hunter12

There are many explanations for this type of statement:

1). Michelle Obama is extremely sheltered from happenings in the real world.

2). She is a closet racist.

3). She is very stupid.

I don't believe the last explanation to be at all plausible, having listen to and enjoyed previous comments she's made at rallies and press conferences. She's shown a sharp and ready wit, in protecting her husband. Since I enjoy watching anyone doing something well, I can't understand how she could not have seen something in the last forty years to be proud of in the many accomplishments of America in that time period. This is especially troubling as we are currently half-way through Black History month. If you only want to consider African-American accomplishments, the list is too long to include here.

Speaking of Joe Louis:

"In the turbulent era before World War II, he became a national hero for both black and white America. Sportswriter Jimmy Cannon characterized Louis as "a credit to his race - the human race."

Ungrateful

February 19, 2008 - 10:35 ET by Gat New York

Michelle Obama gets the chance to attend Princeton which, considering she majored in sociology, I am sure was a result of affirmative action. Then with only a cume laude degree in sociology gets the even rarer opportunity to attend Harvard Law School - again obviously affirmative action.

And she has the audacity to say she "for the first time in my adult lifetime, I am really proud of my country."

That is being ungrateful.

Her brother is head

February 19, 2008 - 11:12 ET by Hunter12

Her brother is head basketball coach at Brown University and was the #4 leading scorer at Princeton while in college. Maybe she isn't proud of his accomplishments because he's the black sheep of the family. Or maybe her lack of pride in any type of achievememt from a Black perspective is that feeling of being entitled. If you feel someone is entitled to something, there is no sense of pride when they achieve it.

"An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last." - Sir Winston Churchill

Hunter - Your last sentence

February 19, 2008 - 21:47 ET by Cape Conservative

says it all!!

"...If you feel someone is entitled to something, there is no sense of pride when they achieve it."

Thanks. It was a simple

February 19, 2008 - 22:21 ET by Hunter12

Thanks. It was a simple thought, kind of awkwardly expressed. I watch the Olympics and take pride in the achievements of our youth. I am aware and in awe of the dedication and sacrifice they make to acquire the abilities they display. I guess Michelle doesn't watch them. By my count, she should have seen at least 9. I've never watch an American pull from behind and by sheer heroics, overtake and pass someone from a European country and had the thought that my shade of skin color didn't win the race. We won, the Americans won. I felt proud. When the Tsunami hit Indonesia and the area was devastated, I felt proud that the US Navy was first on the scene with aid in many places, and there were no questions about "What is your religion?" and "Do you support the US?". The questions were "Are you hungry?" and "Do you have a roof over your head?". We are maligned around the world by people jealous of our success as a nation. It's sad that someone who has had the benefit of that success, has such a low opinion of the country that gave it to her.

"An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last." - Sir Winston Churchill

Michelle Obama’s

February 19, 2008 - 11:42 ET by maggieqpublic

Michelle Obama’s education may be part of the problem. At my university, anti-Americanism was palpable… and promoted by some faculty members.

Husband and Wife attitudes?

February 19, 2008 - 10:50 ET by ThisnThat

I wonder if Obama feels the same way? I notice he has trouble with the National Anthem, Flag Pins, and the U.S. vs. Cuban flags. Were these his choices, or did his wife pressure him into publically dissing the United States because she isn't proud to be an American. Or, is Obama ashamed of being an American? Or does his loyalty point instead to other countries -- countries where socialism and communism rule? Is this why he is the most liberal Senator in Congress? I'm waiting to see some real evidence of Obama's respect for the U.S. -- at least to counter the evidence of his disdain for our country.

Lots of questions -- finally, we're getting some answers. Keep it up Michelle.

___________________________________

If you can read this, thank a teacher. If it is in English, thank a Soldier. - My barber

Libs

February 19, 2008 - 12:24 ET by iveseenitall

Mika's response is typically "liberal". "What she really meant was...". B.S. We know what she really meant because she said what she really meant. Michelle Obama is a "liberal" racist, given so much, but not enough, I guess. Millions of whites, because they are white, have never been given what America has given her, because she is black. Ungrateful, immature, self-centered, ignorant woman.

NEVER,NEVER trust a "liberal'

Why wasn't the MSNBC Producer......

February 19, 2008 - 13:00 ET by connman

talking into Mika's earpiece telling her to smile? Oh I know, cause libs are suppose to appear serious when they are emitting their pointless drivel, that's why! And I agree with most who think that all MO had to say is thet she has never been prouder to be an American. But I guess the truth just leaked out instead.One last thing, I am SICK and TIRED of not being entitled to an opinion because I didn't grow up Afro-American. We all have life experience, plain and simple.

About time

February 19, 2008 - 13:36 ET by iveseenitall

Yes, and it is about time "thruth" about growing up black in America today be told. Michelle Obama has had more privilege because she is black than millions of white people, because they are white. Affirmative Action is wrong, undemocratic and unconstitutional. In the long run, it will do no American any good. And then to have someone like Obama knock this country after what she's taken from it...makes me want to puke.

NEVER,NEVER trust a "liberal"

Amen

February 19, 2008 - 14:36 ET by The_Pumpcrop

Amen!!

I was past disgusted when

February 19, 2008 - 13:57 ET by bigtimer

I was past disgusted when Joe read Michelle's words...not surprised whatsoever, but disgusted...first thing that came to my mind was 9-11 immediately...

What did tickle me was Joe saying NO, I will not smile! 'bout time some of these talking heads tell these twits to stick it in their own ear and let them do their job.

Michelle had better keep her arrogant big mouth a little more shut IMO this sort of blatant leftist truth as they see it, will hurt the sweet nothings coming out of her mates mouth...of course nothing makes me happier, the more they all talk the better for our side of the aisle.

Mika was made a complete fool of...once again...all her sighs, groans, interruptions just made her look worse in the long run.

Next Up...

February 19, 2008 - 14:34 ET by The_Pumpcrop

COMING SOON: The Mika Brzezinski Show....

(M.ostly S.implistic N.onentities B.roadcasting C.rap...

Mika Brzezinski: MSNBC's Ipecac)

Wow

February 19, 2008 - 15:00 ET by well99

Just a few notes.American aid for the Tsunami was something to be proud of .Most of ours coming out of the pockets of regular Americans.Aid to Africa for Aids.This is just a few of the times we have assisted other nations.I could post a long list but it would probably take up half the blog.If someone isnt proud of all the efforts and aid we have given countries well flock them.In this country we dont talk about helping out we do it.There is so much to be proud of being a American.Not just another politician running for office.

One thing I learned from this article is that Willie Geist

February 19, 2008 - 15:43 ET by R D Helm

One thing I learned from this article is that Willie Geist is a wimp.

As for Mika, she is in agreement with Michelle Obama in that this country is an oppressive, racist, non-caring entity. This makes her just another freedom-hating liberal who managed to get herself on TV for reasons other than her qualifications.

But, we already knew that.

Michelle's already backing

February 19, 2008 - 15:59 ET by bigtimer

Michelle's already backing down from her original statement here...spin is the correct word, she is saying what I meant to say...blah blah blah...I haven't been able to find a link quite yet on four different sites that I check, should be soon though...

Also heard Cindy McCain say she is proud of this country but wouldn't use Michelle's name...that is what they should do, we all know who you are talking about, take the fight to them, pride in this country is something we all should have.

"BRZEZINSKI: She's been

February 19, 2008 - 19:50 ET by ckc1227

"BRZEZINSKI: She's been able to do great things amidst many "no's" in her life. Many people saying "no, no, no."

And this makes her special, or unique how? Everybody deals with "no's" in their life, not just black women. Obviously, she's gotten quite a few "yes's" along the way too. More, in fact, than most people will ever get.

Pretty funny(or sad) when you think about. Africans without 2 nickels to rub together have an 80% approval rate for President Bush, yet this Harvard-educated, $250,000-a-year earning rich-b*tch just now has a reason to be proud of America for the first time in her adult life. Did she recently wake up from a coma or something?

Man, do I despise liberals....