Martin Bashir Resigns From MSNBC

[M0rpheus]

http://www.mediaite.com/tv/martin-bashir-resigns-from-msnbc/

ust over two weeks ago, MSNBC host Martin Bashir delivered a harsh piece of commentary that culminated in the suggestion that someone should “s-h-i-t” in former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin‘s (R-AK) mouth. Bashir offered an abject apology on his next broadcast, but a chorus of critics continued to demand action against the host. After a reported “vacation” for the host earlier this week, Bashir announced, Wednesday afternoon, that MSNBC and Martin Bashir are parting ways.

Damn!

[montanacowboy]

1. One more good one gone

He can join the ranks with Keith O et al

I loved Martin's show -he just said what we all want to say about that empty vessel with the idiot's brain

[kentuck]

2. Bummer.

[Cali_Democrat]

3. Damn....I'm never home when he's on, but I saw many of his clips on youtube and mediaite

He was awesome.

This sucks!

[Laurian]

4. Well, shit!

I liked Martin so much. Do any conservative TV hosts ever resign for "over the top" comments? Hell no, they just double down. I've about had it with spineless MSNBC.

[Lurks Often]

5. I wonder how many people here would have defended him if he had made the same comment about

someone we liked?

[kcr]

17. Hmm. Things to ponder.

I mean, it could be possible, there's world where there's no difference between Sarah Palin and anyone else. And Martin Bashir could have said that about anybody. No difference. And hey, did you ever wonder if everyone sees colors the same way? I mean, how do you really know??

[closeupready]

26. You don't know - lol, that's actually a long-running debate

in philosophical circles. I knew a Ph.D. once who wrote an entire thesis paper on that question. She was brilliant, but so many leagues beyond me in intelligence.

[kcr]

37. I wish I could read it.

I bet she was an interesting person to know

[closeupready]

42. She lived, breathed, and dreamt philosophy for years.

She was a roommate of mine in France where we were both studying. She went home to Sweden, I came back to the US, and we lost touch, but then one year, I found her address and wrote her a letter - she said she'd been busy learning the tango! I was so relieved that having become a professor of philosophy with a firm grasp of trope theory, she finally wanted to relax a little and just dance.

[Vattel]

86. Dance is universal.

[Lurks Often]

95. Of course there is a difference,

however I stand by my statement that if it had been about someone DU likes, there would have been outrage, long threads and calls for the person who said it to be fired.

You want Sarah Plain to go away, convince the media to stop talking to her.

[kcr]

106. Well, yes. Because there's a difference.

So, what is there to wonder about?

[Politicalboi]

30. If we all liked someone who thinks like Sarah

We are at the wrong site.

[Lurks Often]

94. Good of you to miss the point,

if someone had said the same thing to Nancy Pelosi or Elizabeth Warren, you would have found it offensive.

[840high]

91. DU would have been

outraged. Double standard.

[malaise]

6. Very sad

Bashir was very good

[napkinz]

7. I think they'll give Joy Reid that slot now

I'll miss Martin

But I always thought she deserved her own show.

[a kennedy]

11. Love Joy as a guest, not as a host though. She talks to fast....

although, if she'd have her own show may-be she'd be ok.

[napkinz]

18. well, Chris Hayes talks fast too

I suppose it's something you just get used to.

[ecstatic]

21. She does, but with some coaching i think she'll

do great. I think she's trying the Alex Wagner approach right now, which won't work for her. She should feel free to express disgust and even anger at what the right wing is doing. Invite teabaggers on for some feisty takedowns that will go viral.

BTW, Lawrence O'Donnell was painful to watch on his first couple of shows. Now he's the most laidback, comfortable host on MSNBC (and my favorite).

[notadmblnd]

34. That's a good idea. They could move Lawrence O'Donnel up.

I like him, but he's on so late that I can't watch him regularly. I like martin too and I hope he is not silenced for very long.

[bluestate10]

46. Lawrence is a West Coat host, his 10pm EST time works out to 7pm for him. He may not

want a 4pm EST slot, which would be 1pm for him. O'Donnell would be a good choice, but it sucks that Bashir is gone.

[a kennedy]

55. Am watching her now, and will watch no matter what.

and I agree about Lawrence.....yikes, took him awhile, but he's pretty easy in his manner now.

[grasswire]

105. I don't like to watch Joy.

The only ones left that I respect are Ari Berman and Alex Wagner at MSNBC.

Actually, I have nearly totally stopped watching MSNBC. I rarely turn it on.

[joeybee12]

8. Too bad...I think this was only the first time he crossed the line...

But apparently the scum Palin had her braindead filth go after him so MSNBC gave in. No, I'm not approving of what he said, but it's clear this wasn't a pattern.

[Archaic]

9. I hate the double standard.

I get being on the right side of things. And I get that what he said was impolite.

So Fox News will continue to make stuff up about freaking everything. The ABC/CBS/NBC national news will continue to make stuff up about Obama, Democratic policies.

They'll all squash stories about protests or anti-corporate actions.

It sucks that there is no place for it due to corporate ownership of the media. It's like the picture that keeps showing up here that says the only reason Madoff went to jail is that he robbed rich people. Otherwise he'd be free, golfing and still doing it.

Same thing here. Talk about a subject that even questions power, and you're gone.

[procon]

10. I'll miss him

I liked his style. While I'd never want to see MSNBC stoop to the all pervasive name calling to predominates the rightwing media, I had hopes that all his years of doing good reporting might outweigh that one unfortunate outburst.

Certainly, MSNBC had a right to protect it's brand image in penalizing Bashir for his comment, but they reacted much too harshly in firing him over a single incident.

[Heather MC]

12. I call bullshit Lara Logan Still has a job. Trey Radel still has a job

This double standard bullshit makes me sick!!!

[moondust]

27. IOKIYAR n/t

[HappyMe]

13. Damnit.

I guess MSNBC will just get turned on a little later then.

[ecstatic]

14. Paging Joy Reid!

I hate that Martin is leaving. I really liked his show (at first I didn't think i would, based on his epic television interview with Michael Jackson).

[mstinamotorcity2]

15. Sarah Palin is a malignant tumor.

She infects everything she is associated with. Martin will be truly missed. I like what he said, because it showed that slavery wasn't this thing that was as subtle as the two chapters it gets in todays history books. It was a horrible part of America's history and legacy. One that a lot of Americans want swept under the rug, to never return. It tarnishes the American Exceptional ism Mantra. I wish Martin all the best. I wish Palin would shut up.

[Dreamer Tatum]

19. It was nasty of her, forcing him to say what he did.

She ought to be ashamed of making him say that.

[mstinamotorcity2]

22. She didn't force him.

He was just fed up with the ignorance of this tricked out loose cannon. She incites the worst in even the most decent of human beings. She is troll elite. And if he was going to resign then he should have went for the gusto.

[LordGlenconner]

28. Most people are fed up

Except, apparently, a few folks on this thread.

[mstinamotorcity2]

31. We know who they are.

Independents- Pissed off repugs

[woodsprite]

60. And he was wrong to say it.

After all, it had already happened, because it's been running out of her mouth every time she opens it for years now. He should have said "Someone must have shat in her mouth".

[LonePirate]

82. With all the crap flowing from her mouth, is it wrong for someone to replenish it for her?

[840high]

96. Perhaps Bashir should have shut-up.

[avebury]

16. Bummer

I really like him and always wished that he was on at a time that I could watch. It is really irritating when people like him are pushed off the air and the idiot FOX "news" people can get away with saying anything and everything because truth and accuracy is not important to FOX.

[yesphan]

45. "because truth and accuracy is not important to FOX."

Truth and accuracy is anathema to fox.

[Tarheel_Dem]

20. Well, David Shuster got canned for remarks made about Hillary, so I guess this is fair?

[mstinamotorcity2]

32. I miss

David Shuster he was great. Good reminder to those who don't know who he is.

[octoberlib]

40. I miss David Shuster too. He was another one who wasn't afraid to tell it like it is.

MSNBC doesn't seem to like that quality in their employees. It makes for very boring programming.

[mstinamotorcity2]

44. Strong voices get silenced.

It is expected that we the people talk in increments. They don't want us to speak our mind. They want us to speak in a way that doesn't offend anyone. but for true change someone must get offended.

[Tarheel_Dem]

41. I miss him too, and I think he's paid for his transgressions, and would be a great one to fill.....

Martin's timeslot. I love Joy, and I wish she had a show of her own, but I do miss David. There are two vacancies at MSNBC now, hopefully someone really good gets a chance.

[mstinamotorcity2]

48. Back in the day,

We here at DU would have gotten together and pushed for who we would like to see. I think I will write MSNBC and ask can David have Alec Baldwin's spot. We want DAVID!! We want DAVID!!! No Justice No Peace. We want DAVID!!!

[Tarheel_Dem]

49. "No Justice No Peace"!

[stevenleser]

52. I thought he only got a two week suspension for the pimped-out comment?

I could be wrong

[Tarheel_Dem]

54. I'm old, so my recollection may be faulty, but I thought his separation had something to do with HRC

[winter is coming]

58. Shuster got canned for talking to CNN about a possible job near the end of a contract with MSNBC. nt

[Boom Sound 416]

67. he actually shot a pilot with them

that was a no no

[closeupready]

23. I never liked him. He ambushed Michael Jackson, and

I could never get over that, how he twisted the facts to fit the narrative he wanted to sensationalize so as to make his career launch. Oh well, I'm sure he'll be just fine.

[eShirl]

33. I must have watched a different show than you. n/t

[closeupready]

35. Whatever.

[LordGlenconner]

56. Yeah me too

Apparently asking tough questions of people who sleep in beds with young boys who are not their own children is verboten.

[HipChick]

51. I am a huge MJ fan, but lets face it...what MJ did

He did to himself and his career...I can't hold Martin for that..

[KaryninMiami]

24. That's a big shame.

I am a big fan of his- what a waste of an excellent reporter. Maybe Al Jazeera America will pick him up and give him a show.

Really sucks though- I will miss him...

[JaneyVee]

25. NOOOOOOO!

[Politicalboi]

29. I find Tiller the baby Killer

And the outcome outrageous, but Bill is still blathering shit every night. Like someone would even get close enough to Caribou Barbie to shit in her mouth.

[octoberlib]

36. MSNBC just got a little more boring.

I will be tuning in later now as well , unless they can find somebody to fill that slot who isn't afraid to call RWNJ's out on their shit and tell it like it is. I think Al Jazeera would be perfect for Bashir and I hope he ends up there.

[Ilsa]

38. I really liked him. I hope he lands a better gig. nt

[kydo]

39. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

[flamingdem]

43. I'm disgusted

As much as I like Joy she doesn't wake me up like Martin.

I really hope they get someone with some edge to replace him.

CRAP

[Jamaal510]

100. +1

[B Calm]

47. MSNBC couldn't take a little heat from Palin worshippers?

[840high]

98. it wasn't them..

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/21/joe-scarborough-martin-bashir-sarah-palin_n_4315805.html

<snip>
Scarborough said he agreed with Bashir's apology. "I'm glad that he went out and said it, and I will guarantee you he didn't write all that by himself," he said. He added that he goes to the president of MSNBC when similar controversies happen.

"Every time something horrific is said like that, I go in and I talk to Phil Griffin, who I'm good friends with," Scarborough said. "And I say, Phil, this is unacceptable; either they apologize for it or I'm going to take it up myself. And I can tell you that didn't happen in this case, because I was in the middle of a book tour and I didn't even really hear about it until after Bashir's apology."

Bashir apologized on Monday, saying that his comments were "deeply offensive" and that they had "brought shame" to MSNBC.

[Jamaal510]

101. Does Scarborough consider himself the unofficial king of MSNBC or something?

[840high]

103. Guess he's a big insider with the boss.

[northoftheborder]

53. I really like Martin Bashir's style. Sorry he's gone. Joy is very smart,

and I like her opinions, but she needs some coaching on her delivery.

[dem in texas]

57. Martin will be missed

After Rachel, he was my favorite MSNBC talking head. What a shame, S. Palin deserves every bad zing she gets. MSNBC seems to know how to run the good ones off.

[winter is coming]

59. MSNBC should have fired him that night, for unprofessional behavior.

I detest Sarah Palin, but that's no excuse for what Bashir said.

[LionsTigersRedWings]

63. I agree.

It might be something we all want to say, but don't say it while at work.

[Puglover]

65. You post indicates you have no idea of what happened.

Hey, do me a favor and explain to me what you perceive Bashir did.

[winter is coming]

66. "culminated in the suggestion that someone should “s-h-i-t” in former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin‘s

mouth"

^^ If that's what Bashir actually said, that's grossly unprofessional.

[Puglover]

68. Bashir took issue with Palin comparing

the national debt to slavery. To illustrate just how awful slavery was he read an account from a slave owner as to how slaves were treated. To explain how specious her comment was. AT NO TIME did he suggest that someone should "shit in her mouth".

Seriously, I don't mean to be snarky but inform yourself.

[Boom Sound 416]

70. That's EXACLTY what he suggested

You think he got fired for making an analogy?

[Puglover]

72. I watched the piece.

But hey Boom, you go on trashing progressives and cheering for that POS grifter.

[Boom Sound 416]

74. You watched the piece

Then you missed the ending. He didn't allude, suggest or imply his point.

The behavior is easy to denounce regardless of any context.

[winter is coming]

73. Apparently, HuffPo also needs to inform itself.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/04/martin-bashir-resigns-msnbc_n_4385884.html

Among other things, Bashir said that someone should defecate and urinate in Palin's mouth, a punishment delivered to some slaves.

[Puglover]

75. Yep you're right.

Dammit I just listened again and up until the last sentence he was spot on. And then he blew it.

Still, I take issue with liberals like you who are so eager to punish and silence people on your own side of the fence. IMHO you weaken us.

But I concede he left himself open to it. And people like you help it happen.

[winter is coming]

77. I take issue with people who seem to think the acceptability of behavior depends on political

affiliation. You're advocating the inverse of IOIYAR. It's not okay, no matter who says it.

Bashir didn't "leave himself open" to something that "people like me" helped happen. He and he alone chose to make a disgusting and unprofessional remark and I don't see why anyone should cut him slack for that.

[Puglover]

80. Meanwhile Palin

says "Obama pals around with terrorists and is never held accountable." And how many millions of gullible Americans believe that crap.
I never said it was "okay"

I take issue with the fact that an apology wasn't enough for (apparently) you. You want him silenced and gone.
Big difference.

[winter is coming]

87. Silenced? Not necessarily. Fired? Yes. Unless your job is to be a shit-stirring rabble-rouser,

you don't say things like that at work. Period.

[winter is coming]

89. I would have fired her. n/t

[Puglover]

90. Thanks for answering.

[A-Schwarzenegger]

85. "I take issue with people

who seem to think the acceptability of behavior depends on political affiliation."

Yes. This is the problem with thinking in "sides," instead of thinking, "Is this the right thing to do? Is this the right thing to say?" Thinking, "Do I want this to be the lead in my obit?" instead of "Boy, my side is really going to dig this shot at our hated target." Of course it's also another sign of our anything goes culture, our "you gotta be further out than everybody else to get heard" world.

[Boom Sound 416]

79. ...

[YarnAddict]

83. Seriously, inform yourself

In 1756, he records that “A slave named Darby catched eating canes; had him well flogged and pickled, then made Hector, another slave, s-h-i-t in his mouth.” This became known as Darby’s dose, a punishment invented by Thistlewood that spoke only of the slave owners savagery and inhumanity.

And he mentions a similar incident again in 1756, this time in relation to a man he refers to as Punch. “Flogged Punch well, and then washed and rubbed salt pickle, lime juice and bird pepper; made Negro Joe piss in his eyes and mouth.” I could go on, but you get the point.

When Mrs. Palin invoked slavery, she doesn’t just prove her rank ignorance. She confirms that if anyone truly qualified for a dose of discipline from Thomas Thistlewood, then she would be the outstanding candidate."

This is what he said. There is no doubt what he meant.

[840high]

99. Absolutely.

[CK_John]

61. I assume Palin's lawyer woundn't settle for anything less.

[840high]

97. I don't think it was her -

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/21/joe-scarborough-martin-bashir-sarah-palin_n_4315805.html

<snip>
Scarborough said he agreed with Bashir's apology. "I'm glad that he went out and said it, and I will guarantee you he didn't write all that by himself," he said. He added that he goes to the president of MSNBC when similar controversies happen.

"Every time something horrific is said like that, I go in and I talk to Phil Griffin, who I'm good friends with," Scarborough said. "And I say, Phil, this is unacceptable; either they apologize for it or I'm going to take it up myself. And I can tell you that didn't happen in this case, because I was in the middle of a book tour and I didn't even really hear about it until after Bashir's apology."

Bashir apologized on Monday, saying that his comments were "deeply offensive" and that they had "brought shame" to MSNBC.

[Boom Sound 416]

62. Palin canceling on Lauer must of had some ripple effects

[lillypaddle]

64. Martin has a biting sense of humor

and he is as sharp as one can be. Damn! He at least made things interesting. I always made sure to catch his show when at all possible.

[loyalsister]

102. I will miss him a lot!

His humor was very effective. I'm sure that there are probably thousands of comments he edited. I have to be careful of my own sarcasm so I get it. Unfortunately, he did cross a line. I hope we haven't seen the last of him.

[City Lights]

69. That really sucks.

I'm so sick of the fucking, asshole, right wingers getting away with saying whatever the fuck they want. Fuck it.

[truebrit71]

71. Fucking coward...

...Lara Logan is 'placed on leave' for promoting a story she KNEW was a lie, Martin Bashir schools Caribou Barbie and has to resign...

Again I ask, what fucking "liberal" media...

It's bad enough he caved to pressure from upper management, but even worse is this will actually embolden The Quitter from Wasilla...

[madaboutharry]

76. I am going to miss him.

[ProudToBeBlueInRhody]

78. Aaaaand the "librul media" strikes again

Cowering to the most irrelevant human being on the planet, Klondike Kardashian.

I'm sure there are many here doing a happy dance, or finding ways to do it in this thread without high-fiving the Wasilla Grifter directly.

[Whisp]

81. That's too bad.

But he should have known better and be smarter than that. A 'left' commentator is held up to much higher standards and rules than the filth at Fox and those places and anyone should know that.

Too bad he didn't think that his attention grabbing liner could sink him.

[Lint Head]

84. This is the plan folks. Rachel better watch her back. It's OK for a right winger to be racist

but not OK for a liberal to tell the damn truth. Rush Limbaugh has said much worst things and that slimy creep is still employed

[Nye Bevan]

92. I don't like Palin, but for Bashir to say that someone should shit in her mouth is going too far.

He is not the Rude Pundit.

[JVS]

93. "suggestion that someone should “s-h-i-t” in former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin‘s (R-AK) mouth"

Between him and Incognito, is this a normal thing? Is it the new version of "eat shit" or "fuck you"?

[PDJane]

104. That isn't precisely what he said.

What he said was that perhaps she should be given some of the same treatment as the slaves on a Bermuda Plantation.

You were left to think about what that might be....because Palin and her ilk whitewash too much about slavery. I didn't find it all that outrageous in context.

I enjoyed Martin, and if Rachel Maddow and Chris Hayes go, I'll not watch them again for anything. I miss Keith Olbermann, and will miss Martin.

[Corruption Inc]

107. MSNBC is a propaganda network, not a place for truth or news

Maybe some day people will get that.