There are days when Mika Brzezinski will surprise you. Take Morning Joe today, and Brzezinski's comments on the news that ESPN had suspended Stephen A. Smith for a week for his comments about women "provoking" domestic violence.
Said Mika: "I think it's too bad we can't have a conversation without people exploding, because I think he was trying to make a point. It might have been inartful but there was a point to what he was saying that is absolutely valid and has value." Surprising, no? View the video after the jump.
Brzezinski went on to cite Morning Joe itself as evidence that the "wrong word" can often be used. Whatever your take on the bombastic Smith's comments, let's give Mika kudos for courage in bucking the PC line on the issue.
THOMAS ROBERTS: ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith is being temporarily pulled from his on-air duties after his controversial comments on domestic violence. A statement released yesterday says Stephen A. Smith will not appear on First Take or ESPN radio for the next week. He will return to ESPN next Wednesday. Now careful, ESPN has been here to not call this a suspension but it seems to be just that. The absence of Smith from the airwaves comes four days after his comments on the Ray Rice domestic violence allegations, in which Smith suggested that women play a role in provoking violence from men. Smith apologized on air Monday.
STEVEN RATTNER: How do you feel about that, Mika? Don't hold back.
MIKA BRZEZINSKI: I think it's too bad we can't have a conversation without people exploding, because I think he was trying to make a point. It might have been inartful but there was a point to what he was saying that is absolutely valid and has value. The wrong word was used. Hello, look at the show today. Sometimes that happens.
