[Update, 7:40 pm EDT: Audio and video from segment added.]
Another discussion panel on CNN’s Campbell Brown program on Thursday leaned to the left, this time on the Letterman/Palin controversy. Air America’s Sam Seder defended the raunchy “joke” about one of the Palin daughters. VH-1’s Janell Snowden supported the host’s “job to make fun of people.” CNN analyst Jeff Toobin thought Bristol Palin was “fair game.” Only Republican Susan Molinari sided with the governor [audio clips from the segment available here].
Brown first turned to Molinari, the moderate former congresswoman from New York, for her take on the issue. She condemned Letterman’s “mean joke,” though she did buy the CBS host’s explanation that it was about 18-year-old Bristol Palin, and not 14-year-old Willow Palin. Molinari continued that she didn’t “understand how anybody thinks this was funny....he’s a late-night host. He crosses the line. But when you cross the line with an 18-year-old, I just think we have gotten to the point where the jokes now are just really mean and have no impact.”
The CNN anchor then asked Seder and Snowden, “Where do you draw the line between being provocative and being offensive when you’re- when you’re commentating, as these guys do, on the late- night talk shows?” Seder, a talk show host for the left-wing Air America, made light of Letterman’s joke: “He’s making a joke. But, you know, that said, I am a father, and if someone made a joke about Alex Rodriguez knocking up my daughter, I would take offense. But that’s because I’m a Red Sox fan.” He also defended it as a “funny joke” and justified it: “He’s simply making a joke, and he’s done it for- he’s done it for years and years, and he’s done it about all sorts of people- all different ages.”
Snowden, on the other hand, first acknowledged that the late-night host “absolutely” crossed the line with his remark. But she brushed it aside to an extent as well: “Do we rely on him to [cross the line]? Absolutely. If he didn’t, would we watch? Probably not. However, any decent mother would defend her daughter’s honor, and I think she’s doing that.”
Toobin later gave his take, and zeroed in not so much on the comment directed against Palin’s daughter, but another from Letterman: “I have a different view. I have a problem with the slutty line. I- I think that was in- totally inappropriate.” But he then tried to defend the CBS host for his choice of target: “Let’s remember, Bristol Palin has now become a national spokeswoman on this issue of unwed motherhood for teenagers. She has decided to become a public figure on this issue. She’s been on all the talk shows. So, I think a joke about Bristol Palin is actually fair game. You know, if you want to be private- fine, be private. But she’s not a private person anymore.”
Molinari didn’t buy this lawyer’s argument: “I get Jeff’s point that she got out there and gave a few speeches. But I think we really have to just keep in mind that she’s 18 years old. We have had other political families who have had their kids go out there and speak up on issues...and we have never seen this be done before.....I think he owes every young woman out there who has gone through this same situation or single people who have had babies on their own an apology.”
When Brown subsequently asked if sexism or racism was more acceptable with jokes, Snowden replied, “I don’t think either is particularly acceptable. I just think that David Letterman is a comedian. It’s his job to make fun of people, and when Sarah Palin- when running for vice- for the vice presidency, had a teenage daughter who became pregnant, I think she sort of became fair game for comedians everywhere.” The CNN anchor followed up by inquiring, “why is Sarah Palin such an easy target?”
After Seder answered this by cracking that once the Alaska governor “opens her mouth, she helps the comedian- she goes halfway for the comedian there” (getting a laugh out of Toobin and Snowden in the process), the Air America host went so far as to even defend Letterman’s “slutty” remark: “Frankly, I don’t even think that- that joke was sexist, per se.”
Brown’s program has a record of having discussion panels lean mostly or overwhelmingly to the left. In February 2009, an entire panel praised Attorney General Eric Holder’s “coward” remark during his speech on race. When Roland Martin took over for the anchor while she was on maternity leave from late March until May, he featured several panels which leaned leftward, including on the issues of evangelical Christianity, former Vice President Dick Cheney’s criticism of the Obama administration, and same-sex “marriage.”
The full transcript of the panel discussion, which began 8 minutes in the 8 pm Eastern hour of Thursday’s Campbell Brown program:
CAMPBELL BROWN: Palin vs. Letterman: who is right here?
Joining me now to talk about this, we have Jeff Toobin, CNN senior political analyst; Janell Snowden, VH-1 news correspondent; Sam Seder, co-host of Air America’s ‘Break Room Live;’ and, in Washington, Susan Molinari, former Republican congresswoman from New York, and senior principal in the law firm Bracewell & Giuliani. Welcome to everybody. Susan- Congresswoman, let me begin with you, because I know you have very strong feelings about this. Do you think he crossed the line?
FORMER CONGRESSWOMAN SUSAN MOLINARI: I think he did. I don’t think this was a funny joke. I think it was a mean joke, and let me say I take him at his word that he thought this was a joke about an 18-year-old. But, still, this is an 18-year-old, who is 18 years old, who didn’t say she wanted to run for office. Look, those of us who stand up and say I want to be vice president, I want to be congressman- you know, I want to have my own TV show, you understand that there’s going to be a bit of a bullseye on you. Here’s an 18-year-old girl who has gone through hell and back by standing up with her family and- and taking care of her child. And- and I just- I think, again, I don’t understand how anybody thinks this was funny. I mean, I think it’s just- he’s a late-night host. He crosses the line. But when you cross the line with an 18-year-old, I just think we have gotten to the point where the jokes now are just really mean and have no impact.
BROWN: Well, Sam, Janell- let me get you both to comment on this. I mean, where do you- where do you- where is the line? Where do you draw the line between being provocative and being offensive when you’re- when you’re commentating, as these guys do, on the late- night talk shows?
SAM SEDER Well, I don’t know if he’s commentating. He’s making a joke. But, you know, that said, I am a father, and if someone made a joke about Alex Rodriguez knocking up my daughter, I would take offense. But that’s because I’m a Red Sox fan.
(off-camera laughs)
SEDER: I mean, in the final analysis- I mean, it’s a joke. People laugh. He told it again last night, and people laughed again. So, it is a funny joke, and he is- he’s just a late-night comedian. And so, it’s not as if he’s delivering political commentary. He’s simply making a joke, and he’s done it for- he’s done it for years and years, and he’s done it about all sorts of people- all different ages.
BROWN: Janell?
JANELL SNOWDEN: I agree. Did he cross the line? Absolutely. Do we rely on him to? Absolutely. If he didn’t, would we watch? Probably not. However, any decent mother would defend her daughter’s honor, and I think she’s doing that. At the same time, of course, you have cynics who are like, oh, great, everybody is winning, because Dave is getting more and more fodder, and she’s getting another 15 minutes.
BROWN: Every time she speaks out, he gives her- or she gives him more- more to work with, and we know she’s going on The Today Show tomorrow morning.
SNOWDEN: Right.
JEFFREY TOOBIN: I- I- I have a different view. I have a problem with the slutty line. I- I think that was in- totally inappropriate. But- I mean, let’s remember, Bristol Palin has now become a national spokeswoman on this issue of unwed motherhood for teenagers. She has decided to become a public figure on this issue. She’s been on all the talk shows. So, I think a joke about Bristol Palin is actually fair game. You know, if you want to be private- fine, be private. But she’s not a private person anymore.
BROWN: Susan, that’s a fair point that Jeff just made. In addition to that- I mean, you have to know this, given the life you’ve had- I mean, kids are very much a part of the modern political campaign.
MOLINARI: Yes, they are- they are, in all- Republicans and Democrats- yeah, and I get Jeff’s point that she got out there and gave a few speeches. But I think we really have to just keep in mind that she’s 18 years old. We have had other political families who have had their kids go out there and speak up on issues and take positions and campaign for their mothers and fathers, and we have never seen this be done before. Again, I think the difference is the age of this young woman, who has had, you know, some pretty difficult moments in- in the glare of the camera. And, again, I mean, you know, I’m not saying he should be taken off the air. I’m just saying I don’t think it was funny, I think it was mean, and I think he does owe- you know what? I think he owes every young woman out there who has gone through this same situation or single people who have had babies on their own an apology. Is it just Bristol Palin who is allowed to have these jokes? I mean, I think he’s kind of framing a whole group of people out there who- who have been through the same situation and have stood pretty strong about it- not funny.
BROWN: All right. Let me also pick up on Jeff’s other point, which is the comment that he found offensive, the slutty flight attendant comment. I mean, is sexism, I guess, more acceptable than racism when you’re- when you’re making jokes like this, in a way?
SNOWDEN: I don’t think either is particularly acceptable. I just think that David Letterman is a comedian. It’s his job to make fun of people, and when Sarah Palin- when running for vice- for the vice presidency, had a teenage daughter who became pregnant, I think she sort of became fair game for comedians everywhere.
BROWN: But she’s always- she’s been an easy- why is Sarah Palin such an easy target?
SEDER: Well, because every time she opens her mouth, she helps the comedian- she goes halfway for the comedian there.
(Toobin and Snowden laugh.)
SEDER: I mean, she- it’s like tee-ball with her. It’s not even softball. I mean, she just literally holds it out there, and- I mean, frankly, I don’t even think that- that joke was sexist, per se. I mean, Letterman has-
TOOBIN: But- but- I mean, look- there are certain rules, I think- look, we’re talking about jokes. But I don’t think it’s fair to say it’s just a joke. You can have offensive jokes. It’s not a free range- just, if you say, it’s just a joke, you can say anything. It just seems to me that referring to a public figure, a woman, as a slut, it just- you know, that’s a line you shouldn’t cross.
SEDER: But he- but he didn’t do that. He said- he talked about her slutty makeup.
TOOBIN: Slutty flight attendant.
SEDER: Well, no, but he- there is a big difference there, because he is talking about appearance, and he’s made the joke-
TOOBIN: Nothing funnier than analyzing jokes word by word, you know?
SEDER: Well, exactly- exactly.
BROWN: All right.
SNOWDEN: Is she or is she not the woman who posed in a bikini? I think that she’s- like Jeff said, sort of made herself fair game.
BROWN: That was a long time ago. All right, we have got to end it there- many thanks to the panel.
—Matthew Balan is a news analyst at the Media Research Center.
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
"He's making a joke." So
June 12, 2009 - 17:46 ET by gmaniac1"He's making a joke." So was Don Imus and for less... look what happened to him.
When the people fear the government it's called tyranny, when the government fears the people it's called liberty!
→ EWWWW sick
June 12, 2009 - 17:52 ET by Cool ArrowSeder - "I am a father, and if
someone made a joke about Alex Rodriguez knocking up my daughter, I
would take offense. But that’s because I’m a Red Sox fan.”
OK, I just got a great big insight into the mind of the American Liberal, and I want to puke.
Cool
June 12, 2009 - 18:07 ET by RukusI have one barf bag left, you can have it if ya want. I'm empty.
Gary
Gettin' along is so much easier than buttin' heads. - My Dad
And funner too! - Me
Cool
June 12, 2009 - 19:27 ET by DelsaWhy isn't A Rod upset his name was used in this context?
Your comment is funny.
→ A-Rod
June 12, 2009 - 19:35 ET by Cool ArrowI don't know about A-Rod.
He's got his steroid problems and his mistress troubles, all brought upon himself. Maybe that's why he's so quiet.
The only reason Clarence Thomas is on the Court is because he is black - Joe Biden
Yea, no shock here they
June 12, 2009 - 17:55 ET by BlazerYea, no shock here they would side with Lecherman.
Turds of a feather flock together.
"You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. We must be cautious. "
- Ben Kenobi on Liberals, and the MSM.
" The Cake is a lie."
They're not the only ones,
June 12, 2009 - 17:59 ET by gmaniac1They're not the only ones, just look at some of the libtards invading this board. I'll give these CNN freaks credit, at least they admit instead of lying about it.
When the people fear the government it's called tyranny, when the government fears the people it's called liberty!
→ Tru dat
June 12, 2009 - 18:02 ET by Cool ArrowAt least that guy Seder admitted the Boston Red Sox Team can have a go at his daughter.
His wife must have been rolling with laughter.
The only reason Clarence Thomas is on the Court is because he is black - Joe Biden
Ha ha, that's like the
June 12, 2009 - 18:04 ET by gmaniac1Ha ha, that's like the journalist who stated she would give Clinton fallacio after the Monica incident.
When the people fear the government it's called tyranny, when the government fears the people it's called liberty!
→ Sort of
June 12, 2009 - 18:06 ET by Cool ArrowExcept hers was a personal offer. This was a reporter making a slut joke about his own daughter.
Wonder how that one will fly at school? That's "pimping out"
The only reason Clarence Thomas is on the Court is because he is black - Joe Biden
I know, but my point is
June 12, 2009 - 18:11 ET by gmaniac1I know, but my point is that it's not too unusual for those on the left to say outrageous crap to defend their own.
When the people fear the government it's called tyranny, when the government fears the people it's called liberty!
→ Got it
June 12, 2009 - 18:24 ET by Cool ArrowI see your point, and it shouldn't surprise anyone that a show host from Air America would joke about offering his daughter up for sex to a baseball team.
That's pretty much what happened in the story of Lot in the Old Testament.
Nothing new under the sun.
The only reason Clarence Thomas is on the Court is because he is black - Joe Biden
I hope I can join in the gangbang on Seder's wife with the bosox
June 12, 2009 - 20:10 ET by Lord ErondNext time it happens.
"Let him who would move the world, first move himself." -Socrates
"We sit together, the mountain and I, until only the mountain remains." -Li Po
→ Not me
June 12, 2009 - 20:16 ET by Cool ArrowI like to believe his daughter thinks more highly of herself than dear old dad does.
He's a sick man, and needs psychiatric help. But his fellow panelists didn't seem to see a problem with it either.
THIS IS CNN
The only reason Clarence Thomas is on the Court is because he is black - Joe Biden
Seder
June 12, 2009 - 21:11 ET by well99Dont take it out on the wife.She isnt the one that made the stupid statement.Sedars the one that is the punk.
Still waiting for the
June 12, 2009 - 18:00 ET by George S PattonStill waiting for the retard jokes about obama's kids.
Oh Lord, you'd be put out
June 12, 2009 - 18:02 ET by gmaniac1Oh Lord, you'd be put out in the square and shot, but by what I'm not sure. These are liberals we're talking about and they don't like that whole gun thingy.
When the people fear the government it's called tyranny, when the government fears the people it's called liberty!
Or, jokes about how they are
June 12, 2009 - 20:59 ET by FranksamOr, jokes about how they are really Jeremiah Wright's kids, and 'them Jews' are keeping him from talking to them.
Wow, you guys are on fire
June 13, 2009 - 10:42 ET by gmaniac1Wow, you guys are on fire today! These is not a topic I would want to read comments on right now if were a looney far left douche. Hey, you reap what you sow!
When the people fear the government it's called tyranny, when the government fears the people it's called liberty!
Put yourself in Willow's shoes
June 12, 2009 - 18:04 ET by delmarShe was the one at the ballpark with her mother. When she hears about the joke who's she gonna think it's about? Now put yourself in Bristol's shoes. Since she had an unwed pregnancy, she is gonna think that the joke was inspired by her. Now Bristol probably feels shame for Willow being the target of such cruelty. It doesn't matter who Letterman says was the target, both girls were slimed. I hope very much that Letterman gets what he deserves over this deal. I hope that at least he comes to understand that he did something wrong.
letterman. being uniformed
June 12, 2009 - 18:08 ET by kangarooletterman. being uniformed is NOT an excuse! We know you are scrambling here, but the damage is done, everyone is calling advertisers, so hip pocket here it comes, It's a shame the msm have to use Palin this way to get ratings for their failing TV shows
Correct
June 12, 2009 - 18:11 ET by RukusFair dinkum that roo!
Gary
Gettin' along is so much easier than buttin' heads. - My Dad
And funner too! - Me
I don't have a problem with Letterman
June 12, 2009 - 18:31 ET by sevenIt seems he embraces a child sex abuse and female mollestation attitude.
He really doesn't see rape or rape of a 14 year old could be wrong. that makes him a porn show more than commedy.
The problem I don't have with him is he is clearly understood and clearly not apologetic.
...All Bias...All
June 12, 2009 - 18:23 ET by bigtimer...All Bias...All Bull!
Nothing new.
Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea. ~Andrew Breitbart
Arrogance
June 12, 2009 - 18:48 ET by RukusAll bias, all bull is correct bt. Can I borrow some of you duct tape from Me? I need it, I sent my last barf bag to CA. : )
Gary
Gettin' along is so much easier than buttin' heads. - My Dad
And funner too! - Me
→ A big thank you
June 12, 2009 - 18:52 ET by Cool ArrowAnd I thank you for it, Rukus.
Saved a keyboard.
The only reason Clarence Thomas is on the Court is because he is black - Joe Biden
Keyboard
June 12, 2009 - 19:06 ET by RukusAnd my screen! Glad to help out my friend!
Oh, and I meant to say MB and not Me, vodka does that to ya, ya know. : )
Gary
Gettin' along is so much easier than buttin' heads. - My Dad
And funner too! - Me
LOL Gary...hey, you have to
June 12, 2009 - 19:23 ET by bigtimerLOL Gary...hey, you have to get that order in to mb...before you think you're gonna run out, not after.
I know, I've learned from experience. ;-)
Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea. ~Andrew Breitbart
LOL BT!
June 12, 2009 - 19:27 ET by RukusSometimes I'me slow... I'll use the trash can until MB's order arrives. LOL! :)
Gary
Gettin' along is so much easier than buttin' heads. - My Dad
And funner too! - Me
Its a ruse
June 12, 2009 - 18:41 ET by BKeyserat least that's my take on the whole thing. Letterman's people, CBS, whomever, made a calculated decision that they could attack Palin, grab headlines (and thus ratings against Conan) and not get stomped by the media. They were right- though I don't think there was a whole lot of risk in the plan.
Winner
June 12, 2009 - 20:37 ET by nwahsthis
I'd only add there's much to pick off this bone on both sides, so no real risk.
I guess Conan is saying "f***"
Lights will guide you home
Wasn't Laura Ingram vilified
June 12, 2009 - 18:44 ET by Radical1979Wasn't Laura Ingram vilified by the left for making a fat joke about Megan McCain? And Megan McCain did thrust herself into the political limelight HERSELF. Neither of the Palin daughters have done that. Bristol's stance on abstinence should be admired because it's a lesson she's learned the hard way. But since it's not something the left agrees with they'll use any means to humiliate her and her family. I can't even boycott CBS since I don't watch it anymore.
Yes, she was but it doesn't
June 12, 2009 - 19:31 ET by Chris NormanYes, she was but it doesn't count because she's a conservative and McCain is the liberals' pet Republican this year.
The "Mainstream" Media: By liberals. For liberals.
C'mon Mathew, you can't be
June 12, 2009 - 18:51 ET by Clear thinkerC'mon Mathew, you can't be surprised!?
http://iamnotaracist.wordpress.com/
I don't watch Letterman
June 12, 2009 - 18:52 ET by IamTinmanMostly because he's simply not funny.
The "slutty Stewardess" Line was tacky enough but why would anybody believe that old letch when he says he was talking about Bristol rather than Willow? And does it make any difference? Bristol or Willow aren't important public figures and haven't done anything to deserve abuse from that disgusting jerk!
CBS, Letterman, and the creepy pavlovian audience that dutifully laughs when the light flashes on, deserve each other.
lettermans head may roll
June 12, 2009 - 18:59 ET by kangaroohey guys check this out from fox,
http://www.foxnews.c...
That's not going to
June 12, 2009 - 19:07 ET by bretzysdudeThat's not going to happen. Lecherman's ratings will shoot up, and the president will give him a raise.
He'll wear that like a
June 12, 2009 - 19:15 ET by Chris NormanHe'll wear that like a badge of honor. No, only even lower ratings will sink the old fool.
The "Mainstream" Media: By liberals. For liberals.
Don Imus must be shaking his
June 12, 2009 - 19:13 ET by CoolShadesDon Imus must be shaking his head. If only he called a sitting govenor a slut and celebrated an act of child rape, he wouldn't have been crucified by the MSM for calling women "nappy headed hoes."
As an X flight attendant of 22 years,
June 12, 2009 - 19:25 ET by DelsaI resent Letterman's "slutty flight attendant" remark.
He had better hope he isn't flying commercial and have an emergency!
I guarantee he'll be on his own!
He is a PIG!
Hear, Hear Delsa. I
June 12, 2009 - 19:33 ET by bigtimerHear, Hear Delsa.
I thought of you too when that remark was made...and a gal friend of mine who is no longer here, she would have been more than furious.
He's more than a pig....at least pigs are clean.
Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea. ~Andrew Breitbart
Okay, I've got to say
June 12, 2009 - 19:36 ET by Chris NormanOkay, I've got to say it:
So Letterman's in trouble when the pig flies? :)
I say disable his oxygen mask and open one of the doors.
The "Mainstream" Media: By liberals. For liberals.
Letterman is America's #1 Chester
June 12, 2009 - 19:39 ET by snaggletoothieLetterman was lying when he said he was talking about Bristol. How do I know? Because I listened to his disgusting monologue.
Where were these tolerant liberals who understand Letterman's job so well and support him in it when the libs were tearing Imus to shreds? If this bunch of slimes had stood up for Imus I could believe they want more than to just stick it to Gov. Palin now. Since they were absent then they are not credible now.
Seder is a sick bastard
June 12, 2009 - 20:06 ET by Lord ErondAnd he shall reap what he sows.
"Let him who would move the world, first move himself." -Socrates
"We sit together, the mountain and I, until only the mountain remains." -Li Po
→ Right Erond
June 12, 2009 - 20:11 ET by Cool ArrowBut his is just another Liberal mind on display, and he's proud of it.
The only reason Clarence Thomas is on the Court is because he is black - Joe Biden
Wait a second
June 12, 2009 - 20:09 ET by client8If you appear on a talk show you are fair game to be trashed by a bitter, has-been, liberal activist? I absolutely believe he knew which daughter was here. That is the reason he omitted the name. He thought he could get away with it. After the backlash he claimed it was aimed at the other daughter. Todd Palin should knock that wig off his head and his teeth down his throat. I would do it, but if I punched him, his head would probably turn to dust.
And CNN and MSNBC wonder why they fail in the ratings..
June 12, 2009 - 20:15 ET by Lord ErondThere isn't two sides to this. This was disgusting. I'm not interested in the journalistic canon of "We need to examine both sides". MSNBC would probably argue that the Jews deserved it during WW2.
"Let him who would move the world, first move himself." -Socrates
"We sit together, the mountain and I, until only the mountain remains." -Li Po
Freaking Liberal Hypocrisy!
June 12, 2009 - 20:18 ET by BennyWhat about the entire David Schuster incidnet w/Chelsea Clinton? He made a joke about "pimping her out" and all hell broke loose. They suspended him and made him drop to his knees and beg for forgiveness (not that he didn't deserve it) on national televison in order to return. What's the freaking difference. Oh yeah, I forgot..........she had a "D" in front of her name not an "R".
"ONLY GOOD LIBERAL, IS A DEAD LIBERAL!"
I think Campbell Brown is a cheap slut and Seder is a whore pimp
June 12, 2009 - 20:27 ET by Lord ErondHey, according to them, they're public figures so anything's fair game right?
"Let him who would move the world, first move himself." -Socrates
"We sit together, the mountain and I, until only the mountain remains." -Li Po
Anyone seen this yet?
June 12, 2009 - 20:39 ET by BKeyserhttp://www.firedavidletterman.com/
Bk... Of course CBS had
June 12, 2009 - 20:48 ET by bigtimerBk...
Of course CBS had to shut down the web site...but he won't be going anywhere.
He's a keeper in their minds....look at all the attention this has generated...listen to the mind-numb robots laughing with every word he says...
This country is sick...bassakwards...his ratings will go up.
Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea. ~Andrew Breitbart
Fair Game?
June 12, 2009 - 20:41 ET by the strugglerWould Joe Biden's cocaine-snorting daughter be fair game?
ts... Of course
June 12, 2009 - 20:44 ET by bigtimerts...
Of course not...it's been kept mum forever.
Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea. ~Andrew Breitbart
As well as Chelsea Clinton
June 12, 2009 - 21:59 ET by PeskyDaneAs well as Chelsea Clinton lying face down in a puddle of her own piss in a London gutter. NEVER published in a single newspaper in the United States as far as I know. A pity the euro-rags don't adhere to the "(only liberal politicians) kids are off limits" rule.
let's start in on chelsea...
June 13, 2009 - 16:29 ET by puredmashieby now referring to her as "ms. ed" for her horse-mouthed appearance. i guess the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree. maybe a fall out of the ugly tree might do her some good, but only if she hit every branch on the way to the ground.
swing hard in case you hit it.
→ Chelsea
June 13, 2009 - 16:42 ET by Cool ArrowI can't do it.
Chelsea got out of college and promptly went to work for a hedge fund, capitalizing on Barney Frank's housing implosion plan.
What's not to like? 'Fraid I'd have done the same thing.
If I'd had the money, I'm sure I would've gotten a nose job too.
I like what I've seen and heard from Chelsea. I was kinda' worried about her, given the parents she has, but I think she's done OK.
The only reason Clarence Thomas is on the Court is because he is black - Joe Biden
Alinsky-Obama
June 12, 2009 - 20:59 ET by lotrSaul Alinsky Principle of the Day:
The radicals, now in control of government, the mass-media and the pop-culture, believe that this is their hour.
"Let's wrap him up, alright?" -- Keith Olbermann
Hell hath no fury
June 12, 2009 - 21:09 ET by lotrMy wife, for one, has a good deal of scorn right now for Mr. Letterman -- won't be watching his show in this here household any time in the near future (I haven't watched him since he bashed Bush, but now I would dare not even "stumble" upon his program).
To quote her "He's a dirty old man with a perverted mind! He needs to retire!"
"Let's wrap him up, alright?" -- Keith Olbermann
Advice for Gov. Palin:
June 12, 2009 - 21:12 ET by CoolShadesAdvice for Gov. Palin: This Letterman joke has created a crack in the MSM wall of shame that must be busted open. Taking down Letterman will give you the respect you've been denied and have deserved just as much as all other politicians with a "D" after their name. Next week, Todd Palin should step out to defend his daughters' honor. After all, Letterman has basically insulted both Bristle and Willow now. It will be fresh and new news not coming from Gov. Palin. The next week after, Bristle should step up and defend her sister's honor. Letterman will crumble as he expects Willow will be next.
Just imagine Willow Palin telling David Letterman.........
could someone please explain the rules here?
June 12, 2009 - 21:24 ET by pmohbuckimus makes a crude statement about minority (adult) women and gets fired ... minority groups and women groups swarm like angry hornets.
letterman makes a crude sexual statement about and underaged girl who happens to be the daughter of political opposite and the same people who ousted imus are rushing to letterman's defense.
women's rights groups ... completely silent ... hmmm
and what about A-rod? how does he feel being the person tabbed as "committing" statutory rape? no one seems to look at it from his point of view. couldn't letterman's insinuation of a-rod, a black man, impregnating a white teenaged girl be considered racist as well as tasteless? where's our buddy al sharpton and his megaphone? jesse jackson?
would a "joke" about letterman's wife "relieving" the pitchers in the yankee bull pen in the 7th inning be fair game?
maybe, once we learn the liberal rules of humor, we can all start joking on the same level ... but as it stands, these rules are very hard to interpret.
The rules are very easy. If you are a liberal then you may make
June 12, 2009 - 21:31 ET by pahuberfun of gays, blacks and all conservatives including their families.
- Rape jokes by a liberal will give you the extra bonus of libtards coming to your aid and mock your oponents.
See, was that so hard?
Explain the rules to me
June 12, 2009 - 21:32 ET by nwahsImus makes an obnoxious statement and the left tries to mischaracterize it as racial. Everyone here (including me) is up in arms. How dare they! Now Letterman makes an obnoxious joke and the right tries to fabricate a child rape joke and very few people here are up in arms. WHY?
I know- a human foible - HYPOCRISY. How dare Al Sharpton make Imus' comment racial, but its quite alright for the right to make Letterman's joke predatory. Hypocrites. Any side, right or left, a hypocrite is the bane of humanity.
Lights will guide you home
I supported Imus being fired
June 12, 2009 - 21:39 ET by Free StinkerI supported Imus being fired, and so did many others hear.
The criticism that was here back with the Imus incidend was for SHARPTON's hypocrisy at not saying a peep about rappers using the N-word, etc.
But you will go on and keep defending "jokes" about rape. You have told me all I will ever need to know about you.
No fool
June 12, 2009 - 21:46 ET by nwahsI've NEVER defended a joke about rape and you are so moronic, you will say that without being able to print a quote of me supporting Letterman's joke. My argument is that Letterman wasn't joking about rape, but Bristol's public pregnancy. My defense about Imus wasn't to say his comment was alright, but that it wasn't racial. But you can't stick to that, moron, you have to make something up because you're a moron.
Lights will guide you home
He joked about A-Rod
June 12, 2009 - 21:50 ET by Free StinkerHe joked about A-Rod getting Palins daughter (at the game with her) pregnant.
Daughter is 14. That's statuatory rape.
You're defending rape jokes, and worse, you don't even know it?
What an ignoramous you are!
A-rod was on the field you idiot
June 12, 2009 - 21:59 ET by nwahsJokes don't have logistics you idiot. You ever see three priests in a boat? You ever see 4 people waiting in line at the "pearly gates?" A-Rod was on the field , not in the stands. He was no more capable of coupling with someone in the stands than someone in Alaska, unless you know of men that can couple at 300 yards. I don't. How the hell does that fit into your idiot logistics? The joke was about Bristol, and you trying to pretend it couldn't be because of logistics. You're pretending jokes respect rational logistics. THEY DON'T.
Stop being so blatantly DUMB.
Lights will guide you home
Backward's Shawn, logistics now?, sheesh was this some
June 12, 2009 - 22:01 ET by pahubersort of immaculate conception thing you brought into your reasoning over dave's rape joke?
We have the evidence and presented it to you and you just resort to the same personal attacks when challenged.
Where are your facts, backwards shawn?
nwahs
June 12, 2009 - 22:34 ET by well99Is that why Dave said now cut that out.Get back in the dugout.Listen to him after the joke.
(Apparently everyone thinks
June 12, 2009 - 22:43 ET by balboa(Apparently everyone thinks if they say "Dave's rape joke" enough times, everyone else will start to believe them...)
We are calling it as we see it, bal. I am not surprised you
June 13, 2009 - 21:12 ET by pahuberhave chosen the tact you have taken.
You basically do not even know facts involved OR you just do not believe dave would say such a thing.
Your little blurb is the same type of crap you have been dispensing since I've read your posts.
balboa
June 12, 2009 - 23:13 ET by well99Is it like those people who said he meant Bristol even though Willow was at the game?Even when he didnt mention any name some people keep saying he meant Bristol?So its apparent they must believe the same thing.
Yeah, I gave up on that
June 12, 2009 - 23:16 ET by balboaYeah, I gave up on that well99.
balboa
June 12, 2009 - 23:47 ET by well99lol That is probably a good thing.
Letterman's rape joke
June 13, 2009 - 16:34 ET by puredmashieLetterman's rape joke
Letterman's rape joke
Letterman's rape joke
Letterman's rape joke...
swing hard in case you hit it.
Still trying to defend your
June 13, 2009 - 13:40 ET by gmaniac1Still trying to defend your sick defense of Letterman huh douche?
When the people fear the government it's called tyranny, when the government fears the people it's called liberty!
Show us your evidence that it was not a rape joke, Backwards
June 12, 2009 - 21:50 ET by pahuberShawn.
Please, indulge us in your mind reading techniques... we are listening.
See, out of thin air the libtards come out with immediate knee
June 12, 2009 - 21:37 ET by pahuberjerk efficiency. A reaction no matter what the facts are... see above for reference.
Never mind that Willow was at the game... this little bugger above me will post bilge until Jesus returns.
I didn't say they would be convincing...void where prohibited.
The facts do not matter to
June 13, 2009 - 20:02 ET by gmaniac1The facts do not matter to liberals. The only thing that matters to them is hate and ideology. Defenders of the innocent my ass. They believe in aborting unborn children, giving rights to terrorists, restricting individual liberty through big government, and now sexist pedophilia against people's children with an opposite point of view. A very, very warped and sick state of mind but they will find a way to defend it.
When the people fear the government it's called tyranny, when the government fears the people it's called liberty!
And right you are again, GM1! Keep on keeping on...
June 13, 2009 - 21:14 ET by pahuber: )
of course, the lone
June 12, 2009 - 21:15 ET by JAJTof course, the lone republican has to be outnumbered by these idiots. if only, they would pick strong people who would not be backed in a corner and can play their games. the fact that these liberals are excusing Letterman by saying Palin's "fair game" is ridcilous. just maybe, the lone republican needs to start w/repeating the same joke Letterman said but instead of using Palin as the center of the joke-start using the host as the center of the joke, lets see how well they accept that, then the lone republican can say " well you are a public figure so you are fair game". these so called "feminist" are not going to defend Palin. it is so disqusting how sick and twisted they are in their hate that they can not even acknowledge when a line has been crossed. i need another Martini!!
look beyond
June 12, 2009 - 22:03 ET by vote24The media bias game has been up for quite a while. Anyone with a reasonable I.Q. is completely aware of it. When they knew that we knew, they had a choice to back down the rhetoric, but instead chose to ignore us, constantly call us racists, liars, and such, and steam ahead to oblivion as a complete tool of the liberal socialization of America. They must keep a hold of the 20% or so, of people who live by television. The uninformed vote, and missinformed, is the anchor on freedom loving people.
Letterman is the typical
June 12, 2009 - 22:15 ET by nadadhimmiLetterman is the typical limo liberal. He thinks liberal policies and doctrine should NEVER apply to the liberal leadership and elites, only the little people. He drives a Ferrari, smokes a stogie, is a gazillionaire, hates Jews and Christians and flies in private jets, with a staff big enough to stoke the boilers in Al Gore's palatial home. Like Streisand and Spielberg, et al, he's a hypocrit of the highest magnitude. HIS personal life is strictly OFF LIMITS, as is any comment on his BASTARD CHILD, but Palins BASTARD GRANDCHILD is open to his infantile ridicule. What a disgusting piece of work he is, the Alfred E. Newman looking mofo.
I am so sick of Liberals
June 12, 2009 - 22:49 ET by Jack HermanLetterman chooses to make a joke about a young lady rather than using the volume of comedic material provided by Barack Obama, Joe Biden, Nancy Pelosi, and Barney Frank.
The MSM, because his target was a conservative family could care less. Liberal Democrats are such a pathetic group.
Why would he go after
June 12, 2009 - 23:26 ET by stunnedWhy would he go after Democrats since he worships at the feet of Obama? As for the Democrats backing Letterman to the end remember what happened to Trent Lott for saying something nice at Sen Thurman's 100th birthday celebration. He was driven out as speaker of the house, forced to resign by fellow Republicans after his apology tour to end the "crisis". Peloisi said much worse about the CIA lying without any proof and the Dems instead of getting rid of her defended her by saying sure the CIA lies. If any Republican gets caught saying ANY politically incorrect thing in the future the Republicans had better fight back tooth and nail instead of rolling the offender under the bus or I will never support another one of them again.
Letterman ...
June 12, 2009 - 23:23 ET by svh83is a perv. What else is there to say?
"I think you'd better call John, 'cause it don't look they're here to deliver...the mail". -NY
tired of liberal lies The
June 12, 2009 - 23:32 ET by stunnedtired of liberal lies
The next time a Republican is asked to condemn a comment by Rush Limbaugh they should not answer but ask the "reporter" what Democrats has he asked to condemn Letterman. No more Republicans running around apologizing for for other Republicans just to suck up to the MSM. As for CNN maybe your obvious bias is the reason for your lousy ratings.
747,000 viewers
June 13, 2009 - 04:33 ET by Red JeepThursday June 11 Campbell Brown had 747,000 viewers. Not even one percent of the country watches.
Ugh
June 13, 2009 - 01:32 ET by AmaliaLook, I am sick to death of this 'it wasn't a rape joke' crap. I don't care if it was about rape or not. I don't care if it was about Bristol or Willow. I didn't like the joke, I thought it was stupid and sophmoric and above all else it just wasn't funny. It wasn't a joke at all - it was just ten or eleven insults leveled at Palin because this jerk, like so many leftards, hate Palin with a passion.
Yeah, I get that Palin is a public figure and I get that Bristol may be one too given her public appearances (of which I wish she wouldn't make because it just gives the morons like balboa and well99 ammo for their patently retarded commentary). I still don't like this bizarre character assassination and I'll be damned if you pathetic morons (balboa, well99, fitzfong, JasonC, etc) keep me from voicing my opinion.
And if you don't like that, guess what? DON'T READ IT. GO AWAY. I mean seriously, I am assaulted by liberal garbage everywhere I look (magazines, tv shows, radio, video games, music, books, etc) and I come here as an escape from all that, and what do I get? MORE liberal garbage from the nastiest, creepiest and most desperate of all trolls on this earth.
You trolls aren't safe here anymore...I will fight you wherever I see you, because I am flat out sick of this crap.
Oh, and no I am not going to take my own advice - I shouldn't have to given the fact that this is a site dedicated to exposing liberal bias. There are sites for you to spew your crap - Democratic Underground, DailyKos, Huffington Post are just a small, minute fraction of the left-leaning websites on the Internet (more like 99.9% of every single website on the Internet) where you can insult conservatives along with all your insipid little buddies. I don't troll liberal sites. I don't even understand why you rotten little cockroaches need to harass us on a regular basis. You aren't changing anyone's opinion.
Troll award
June 13, 2009 - 11:35 ET by well99"MORE liberal garbage from the nastiest, creepiest and most desperate of all trolls on this earth."
Do we get a special award for this?
"Yeah, I get that Palin is a public figure and I get that Bristol may be one too given her public appearances (of which I wish she wouldn't make because it just gives the morons like balboa and well99 ammo for their patently retarded commentary). I still don't like this bizarre character assassination and I'll be damned if you pathetic morons (balboa, well99, fitzfong, JasonC, etc) keep me from voicing my opinion."
Just a note:I prefer being associated with these folks compared to being lumped in with you.Thank you
No, you liberals wear sick
June 13, 2009 - 20:05 ET by gmaniac1No, you liberals wear sick and perverted comments/actions like a badge of honor. If you don't want to be "lumped" in with our sort, then why are you here?
When the people fear the government it's called tyranny, when the government fears the people it's called liberty!
On just this very small point GM1 who I totally agree with : )
June 13, 2009 - 21:21 ET by pahuberWell99 is not a liberal and has been fighting the good fight with us, but someone lumped him into the coal like I did initially... wrong, on me.
He is a good guy... he has been fighting the good fight too.
I bit another brethern yesterday, and have been advised. So no biggy, but Well99 is a bro in arms... give him a chance please.
Your brother in arms, pahuber.
Thanks! Your friend, Pahuber
pahuber
June 13, 2009 - 22:52 ET by well99Ssshh.The pathetic morons get to go to IHOP..I like pancakes.IHOP was one of my favorite places for breakfast at Ft.Carson.
I too love IHOP, but boy are they spendy! We have had two IHOPs
June 14, 2009 - 19:12 ET by pahuberbuilt in the area in the last 7 years.
Do they have any in your area now?
pahuber
June 14, 2009 - 19:41 ET by well99Yes they built one 2 years ago.It is about 25 miles where I live.I just wait for specials.I am cheap what can I say.When they dont I go to a truckstop that isnt that far.Price is alot better too.Still IHOP does have good food.
According to one panelist...
June 13, 2009 - 07:32 ET by taocpaIt's fair game again to make fun of "people."
"It’s his job to make fun of people....", that quote is directly from the mouth of Janell Snowden, VH-1 news correspondent (a true oxymoron). So I can only assume it's okay again to make fun of "black people", "Jewish people", "Asian people", "retarded people", so on and so on....
A comedian doesn't have to make fun of people to generate laughs. He doesn't have to skewer national, public figures or their young children for cheap laughs.
Liberals are just so two-faced. If Sarah Palin had been black and a Democrat, Letterman would be looking for a job today.
When will the madness end? Hopefully, January 20, 2013.
Tom
tao
June 14, 2009 - 00:06 ET by RESTLESS 1I believe the 0 is taking care making fun of retarded people for us. After all, in his words, he bowls like a Special Olympian.
"This
liberal would be all about socialize -- uh, uh, would be about
basically taking over and the government running all of your companies."-Maxine Waters 2008
comments on the Palin-Letterman threads
June 13, 2009 - 08:01 ET by lotrBeen reading the debate on these threads regarding Letterman's inappropriate jokes RE Sarah Palin. To all those defending Letterman, please consider the following:
The statuatory rape argument. I don't believe that Letterman's intent was to joke about an adult male ballplayer having sex with a 14 year old minor -- I don't think he is that depraved, and I'll take his denial at face value. I'll buy the fact that there was negligent ignorance on the part of the Late Show on which daughter was at the ballgame. That said, however, the following also hold true.
Nevertheless, it was in fact the 14 year old accompanying Palin. Please tell me: How is she, the mother of the 14 year old that was, unintentionally or not, the butt of the joke, supposed to react?
Letterman's first defense: "It was about the 18 year old, therefore, not about statuatory rape." So - what?! Like, that makes it alright -- it was about the 18 year old daughter. Give me a freaking break. But Palin hereself makes the case better than I can in her defense against the objective "reporter" Matt Lauer.
Letterman's 2nd defense: "It was about the daughter who did get knocked up." Again, so what? Here's the key word, Dave et al.: daughter. Why the hell is he making vulgar jokes about someone's teenaged daughter? And even if she wasn't teenaged -- still over the line. Period.
Media talking head defense: "The daughter in question was brought into the public arena by the Palins." Again, so -- what? The same goes for all other politician's children, beginning with JFK, and right up to the current POTUS. The only difference here is that the daughter in question was pregnant (and the daughter of a hated conservative woman). Pregnancy is something that can be hidden for so long. What were they going to do? Stick her in the closet? Even if this were possible, the pop-liberal media paparazzi would've sniffed her out, spun the story on how terrible those Palins are -- hiding a pregnancy! Does anybody take note on the not-so-subtle social pressure imposed here for Abortions? See, we can never know whether or not Chelsea Clinton got pregnant, because had she, the "evidence" would've been "terminated." And contraception eventually fails.
Letterman's tone during his so-called "response" was flippant and jovial -- and the audience, judging by their boisterous laughter, evidentally thought as much.
"Let's wrap him up, alright?" -- Keith Olbermann
→ Thanks, lotr
June 13, 2009 - 09:02 ET by Cool ArrowI think your draft of the official condemnation is one all parties can agree to ratify.
I really don't believe any of our members hail from the Gary Glitter faction of the Liberal wing.
The only reason Clarence Thomas is on the Court is because he is black - Joe Biden
CA
June 13, 2009 - 19:40 ET by lotrThe Draft of the Official Condemnation! I love it.
I just can't believe there can be any debate about it. Dave should be "disciplined." The fact that this has been tolerated as long as it has been is proof positive that they (the media) despise her.
"Let's wrap him up, alright?" -- Keith Olbermann
?The daughter in question
June 13, 2009 - 11:08 ET by StarAZ?The daughter in question was brought into the public arena by the Palins." Again, so -- what? The same goes for all other politician's children, beginning with JFK, and right up to the current POTUS."
Some woman on Hannity Fri nite (chandelier earrings, low-cut dress, just reporting) said this would never be said about Obama's daughters because they had not been "knocked up." This gets tackier and tackier. Doesn't she mean, they have never been "punished" with a baby? See? I can do it!
exactly
June 13, 2009 - 19:46 ET by lotrI saw that interview and could not believe I was actually hearing what I was hearing.
"Let's wrap him up, alright?" -- Keith Olbermann
Toobin Just Knocked Up a Woman that's Not His Wife
June 13, 2009 - 09:03 ET by BW222Jeffrey Toobin just knocked up Jeff Greenfield's daughter while married to another woman.
How anyone can watch Campbell Brown for an hous is beyond me. Listening to her voice is like listening to someone run their fingernails across a chalk board for 60 minutes.
BW222
Go On Conan O'Brien
June 13, 2009 - 09:45 ET by AmmoManLetterman wants her to appear on his show to help boost his own ratings. Gov. Palin should make an appearance on the Conan O'Brien show to do just the opposite. That'll pi$$ Dave off.
She should not give ratings
June 13, 2009 - 10:10 ET by conflagShe should not give ratings boost to NBC, so forget Conan.
what about jimmy kimmel's show?
June 13, 2009 - 16:46 ET by puredmashiewhen she went on the today show she absolutely skewered matt lauer, quickly dismembering any defense he tossed out there in support of the 62 year old perv. you can bet that jimmy kimmel will pull a ralph kramden and toss letterman under the bus without a second thought. isn't letterman a cradle-robber with a child out of wedlock? that's got to be the source of some one-liners.
swing hard in case you hit it.
This is why CNN and the Network News ratings are crashing
June 13, 2009 - 10:30 ET by OxyConWhenever there is a controversy like this, CNN, MSBS and the networks all stack the deck with Liberals who hold extreme views and they try to force their opinions down everyone's throats and America isn't buying it anymore.
Anyone with a functioning mind knows that Letterman went way too far attacking the Palin children, yet CNN, MSBS and the networks have all spun the story defending Letterman and vilifying the Palins.
They did the exact same thing to Carrie Prejean.
They have all turned the media into a pro liberal witchhunt against moderates and conservatives, even as their audiences crash and burn.
They have no clue that they are catering to about 20% of the country, if that. But they can't help themselves becasue they all live in the same small minded communities of elites in Washington, New York and Los Angeles, and are totally clueless about what the everyday American thinks.
10 Top Reasons David Letterman Shouldn't Visit Alaska
June 13, 2009 - 10:41 ET by Kaffir10. Grizzlies can smell ‘dead meat' from miles away.
9. It's really difficult to walk back to shore from the deck of a fishing trawler 200 miles off the coast of Unalakleet.
8. Dave would be the only guy stupid enough to lick the flagpole in front of the Barrow post office in February.
7. 10,000,000 mosquitos would just love to perform fellatio on Dave, strapped naked to the float of a bush plane.
6. A man Dave's age would have a difficult time out-running a bullet from Sarah Palin's favorite moose rifle.
5. From the center of the Harding Ice Field no one can hear you scream.
4. Strands of silver hair sticking out of sled-dog poop make lousy Iditarod trail markers.
3. That pin-striped suit inside a crab pot at the bottom of Resurrection Bay, probably wouldn't keep the Dungeness away from Dave's genitals.
2. Fourteen year old polar bears have no sense of humor when it comes to performing kinky sex acts with some old bug-eyed dude from New York City.
1. Dave would have trouble getting a laugh when telling a Sarah Palin joke from the bottom of a crevasse on Mount Denali.
jessieH The MSM
June 13, 2009 - 10:54 ET by jessieHjessieH The MSM has tried to feed US B.S. so long they have aquired a taste for it.
Letterman is a deranged slob
June 14, 2009 - 11:32 ET by Reaganite Republican- and his stale schtick's about as funny as a train wreck. I say give Todd Palin five minutes alone with this creep- maybe then he'd get the hard education in moral clarity that he so severely lacks.
If Sarah Palin is SO silly and irrelevant, why the obsession? Clearly the Left noted her appeal, and are out to eliminate the threat- it’s not like it’s not obvious.
And she’s been highly successful in life while ignoring the left-wing feminist model… this helps to explain the extra dose of venom in the attacks.
Go get em, Sarah- and don’t mind the press, nobody will be listening to them anymore after the pending Obamamania implosion-
http://reaganiterepublicanresistance.blogspot.com