Air America Host Suspended for Clinton Remarks

[FourScore]

Source: NYT Political Blog

Randi Rhodes, an afternoon host for the progressive Air America radio network, was suspended Thursday after repeatedly insulting Hillary Rodham Clinton at an event last month.

Ms. Rhodes used vulgar language that likened Ms. Clinton to a prostitute at an event sponsored by KKGN, the Air America affiliate in the San Francisco area, on March 22. A video of Ms. Rhodes’ remarks was published to the video-sharing Web site YouTube on Tuesday, prompting condemnations by some bloggers.

In a statement, Charlie Kireker, the chair of Air America, said the radio network “encourages strong opinions about public affairs but does not condone such abusive, ad hominem language by our hosts.”

The network called Ms. Rhodes’ suspension “indefinite” and did not elaborate on the fate of her daily three-hour radio show. “The Randi Rhodes Show” is normally broadcast from 3 to 6 p.m. weekdays. Sam Seder, another Air America host, was scheduled to fill in for Ms. Rhodes on Thursday...


Read more: http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/04/03/air-america-host-suspended-for-clinton-remarks/

[rusty quoin]

1. This is incredible...I don't know why she said what she said.

She has more sense than that.

[DemocratInSoCal]

3. She Does?

Are we talking about the same Randi Rhodes?

More sense than that?

Most people have a censor in their brain, which prevents them from saying something dumb, before the words actually are spoken.

She does not have that. Sometimes I listen to her and think she just wants to get her opinion out there, and doesn't stop to think whether it's appropriate, or even makes a bit of sense.

[BearSquirrel2]

37. Last week ...

Last week she was adamant about not busting people's infatuations. Something must have happened to make Randi flip and say what she's thought for a long time now. That is ... Hillary is a fucking bitch.

[Name removed]

116. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Scairp]

121. My, my, my

How the misogyny has flourished here on the liberal/progressive website. How sickening. I've been registered on this board for many years, and I am just about ready to say, "fuck off" to this site for good. I've FUCKING had enough already. What the hell is wrong with you people? I have never seen anything like this kind of deep hatred of this particular Democratic female the entire time I have been reading and posting here until now. Frankly, I am appalled and outraged, and most of all, I don't understand why. Is this the "Saint Obama" syndrome? After all the times I have seen the "Saint Ronnie of Reagan" or "Saint McCain" snidely posted? All who subscribe to this new Hillary Clinton bashing are just as repulsive as that asshole Chris Matthews, who has come a hair's breathe of calling her the same thing as the posters above. Can the best of us women have bad days and be "bitchy"? Of course, myself included, but to demean her with this sexist slur as a character trait is crossing the line, and I've had enough. Where the hell is Skinner? Is this language okay with you Skinner? If you would prefer to respond privately, fine, but I've had it, and I dare say I am not the only woman who regularly comes here who feels the same. Enough already with the word "bitch" as a descriptive term about Senator Hillary Clinton, Democrat.

[Byronic]

124. I'm not a woman but I feel the same as you.

Thank you Scairp for putting my thoughts into words so effectively.

You are far from alone in feeling this.

There is no excuse for vile insults like the ones that fly around here lately. I am hoping that some people just have a very bad case of election fever, and that recovery is just around the corner. I wonder though....

[mountainvue]

125. Amen. n/t

[Iris]

130. And another amen!

Sadly, I noticed underlying sexism a long time ago here, but the fact that a woman is running for the Democratic nomination somehow seems to have allowed it to flourish.

[wordpix]

135. well, you're a bitch if you're a female boss in command---that's the way many see it

I have close family members who met Hillary and sat down and spoke with her, and they say she is absolutely wonderful.

I'm for Obama but I would be fine with Hillary as president.

[jhrobbins]

42. Exactly. For a long time now, every time I start to listen to AA, I

make sure to see if it is her show that is going to be on and if so, I do something else.

[crikkett]

132. I wrote off Randy's vitriol long ago as well. Who needs more aggravation?

[JoFerret]

123. Why does she need to bother?

Obama is doing well. he is acquiring good political experience. he is fine.

I used to make excuses for irrational L/W ranters but now I think we are better off staying on the high ground of civil discourse.

[kwyjibo]

2. Good. She often goes too far.

I haven't listened since they took down the Austin station, but Randi was the second worst annoying host... speaking of annoying, is Lionel still on AA?

[Snotcicles]

78. Yes and his show is excellent. nt

[kwyjibo]

99. I always wondered if Lionel actually had fans.

I hated his voice, his endless synonyms, and the way he treated his callers. In my opinion, he acts like a total douchebag. But you know, that's just me.

[TomInTib]

4. Good.

Even though I am no fan of Ms Rodham-Clinton, that stunt was totally out of line.

Oh, well, just one more voice that I never hear that I won't be missing.

[madaboutharry]

5. "indefinite"

That doesn't sound good, or maybe they are just talkin'.

Or maybe they were looking for a way to get her to go away. I think the management over at AAR is a bit off the rails.

[coalition_unwilling]

46. First AAR iced Mike Malloy, now they have iced Randi Rhodes. Needless

to say, I won't be listening to AAR anymore. Mike is now on Nova M network on KTLK AM 1150 and I have KPFK 90.7 Pacifica here in Los Angeles also.

AAR moving closer to the DLC position every day. Pretty soon, they'll be little more than a mouthpiece for the DLC.

[madaboutharry]

88. I do love Rachel Maddow and

Thom Hartman. They are worth listening to.

[DainBramaged]

6. If it walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck........

Some people in politics need to re-evaluate who their REAL enemies are. And Randi isn't the enemy.

[bbgrunt]

14. yep. Randi has saved my sanity more than once. She

is not the enemy.

[Ian David]

73. Agreed. Lionel is the enemy. n/t

[remember2000forever]

122. Randi COME HOME!!!!!!!

Many may not know this but Randi Rhodes first made her mark during the 2000 Presidential Election here locally in West Palm Beach. This is what started her change from Entertainment to Political Passion. She was a voice for us during this time of complete chaos. Contrary to National Opinion, She knew we could vote correctly and encouraged us to go to the streets. Remember the outcome? Everyone happy about what eventually happened? When she eventually made a change to a National Venue, it took considerable time because she wanted to make sure that our West Palm Beach Station still carried her during her regular time slot. She was always loyal to us. West Palm Beach will always be loyal to her. Find your compass and COME HOME RANDI.

[jimnasium]

28. Indeed, she's not the enemy

There is, however, no place for ad hominem attacks - that's what rethugs resort to once their argument has been destroyed by reason and facts. Randi didn't need to go there, but sometimes she's "Fire, Ready, Aim."

[Bonescrat]

97. I'm on her and your side...nt

[Vidar]

111. You mean that somebody that sells herself to every lobbyist on earth could

be classified as a whore? :sarcasm:

[lark]

138. It's people that promote or tolerate sexism and racism

that are the enemies - whether they are DU'ers or Repugs.

[madfloridian]

7. David Shuster was suspended for Clinton remarks.

.

[Cooley Hurd]

12. Sam just commented about Randi's suspension...

...and brought up Shuster's suspension, as well.

"It's all the rage in the media..." said Sam.

[crikkett]

133. "all the rage" like it's a new fad, or all the rage as in Anger?

and what about it?

[MidwestTransplant]

15. But Rush Barack the Magic Negro Halfrican Libmaugh get's nothing.

[2rth2pwr]

19. Rush doesn't have a boss.

This is where he got his material.

http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-oe-ehrenstein19mar19,0,5335087.story?coll=la-opinion-center

[DinahMoeHum]

26. Rush's show is syndicated to various radio stations, so in essence,

he is his own boss. The only way you "fire" him (if you are a radio station) is to drop his show from your lineup.

This, BTW, was Don Imus's big mistake years before last year's gaffe - he was an employee of WFAN (and CBS-Viacom) and MSNBC, not a syndicated radio show host. Hence, they fired him in the classic sense.

:evilfrown:

[rinsd]

50. Rush's boss doesn't care about things like decency.

[indimuse]

16. have you read this..? These people are a danger to our party!

While CLAIMING Hillary IS damaging the party, they perpetuate and CREATE lies on national radio and network news, that is simply NOT tolerable anymore. This is trashing Dem's...these were personal and and meant to cause damage to Hillary and Bill..and Chelsea..You should have heard his rant on her. Disgusting and f*cked up behavior coming from REAL Democrats




indimuse (1000+ posts) Thu Apr-03-08 10:07 AM
Original message
Obama Shill Ed Shultz Gets The Axe At WINZ 940 South FL
Edited on Thu Apr-03-08 10:18 AM by indimuse
Obama Shill Ed Shultz Gets The Axe At WINZ


"Big Head Ed" Schultz has been canceled from http://940winz.com Miami/Fort Lauderdale

radio. Miami, one of radio's largest media markets has seen the slipping ratings of the Ed Schultz show for months and replacing him with a Live show of Thom Hartmann.


I told you...Randi could (should) be next! Then...Steph M..you know..all the radio f's perpetuating lies about Hillary and promoting Obama as a saint, the ones who hate Hillary supporters enough to openly insult on national radio. Democracy haters who scream Hillary should quit...how dare she!


Toodle f'ing loo!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqHIPY7lRfE&eurl=http://... /

EDIT TO ADD VIDEO!!! "Backstabber!"

[madfloridian]

30. I am with sandnsea.....

I am starting to despise Hillary.

[Oleladylib]

36. How the hell did this become her fault...geez...

[jhrobbins]

45. It's the new version of 'It's Clinton's fault' - covering everything from

global warming to the price of tea in China.

[madfloridian]

54. With Shuster...now Randi.

and I don't even listen to Randi anymore. But I don't think candidates should censor media.

[indimuse]

80. noooo..

The candidates didn't, their employers and MONEY (sponsors )did!

[Spiffarino]

33. You're right

Let's get rid of all progressive talkers because they have opinions that don't always match Hillary supporters'. So what if that means we get 24 hours of Reichwing talking points with no counterbalance? They should NEVER be allowed to disparage St. Hillary no matter how much shit she throws around in the name of getting her rightful appointment to the Democratic nomination.


Fucking.Idiots.

[BearSquirrel2]

40. Hannity for Hillary ...

No doubt that the Hillary camp would like to see more Faux News personalities on the air. Maybe Air America can start syndicating Alan Colmes.

Hillary supporter you have to understand, Faux's soft touch on Hillary is a like a Texas bagged hunt. They got their ammo locked and loaded and they're just trying to get Hillary out of the Democratic cage. They'll go into reruns for Hillary and they will touch all the same buttons that made her so unpopular before. The problem is, that Hillary is NOT the uber-liberal that Faux News makes her out to be. She is a borderline conservative and that makes her unpopular with true progressives.

[Freedom Train]

110. Right. Because the problem was that her opinions didn't match Hillary's

It wasn't AT ALL that she repeatedly called Hillary a fucking whore.

If you want to defend that, it's probably wise for you to be a little more careful with that "fucking idiots" part, since it could so easily fly back in your face.

[Spiffarino]

113. If she wants to call Hillary names off the air

...I don't really have a problem. If she'd called Obama a fucking whore I'd still laugh it off. She was doing a bit in a club. Somebody YouTube'd it and now it's a big fucking problem. I'm not favorably disposed to this kind of censorship whether it's Shuster, Ferraro or anybody else who gets axed because they have a big mouth. We are way too fucking sensitive, you (insert your favorite ad hominem here).

[Name removed]

115. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Name removed]

118. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[lark]

140. What about Imus?

Should he have been kept on-air? I'm really curious how far your libertarian streak goes?

[lark]

139. Change the name to Obama

and you will have gotten much closer to the truth. It's Obama that wears the halo, and it's Obama supporters who are declaring the scortched earth tactics if he doesn't win and who will take their marbles and go home. Tell me, who are the real Democrats in that scenario?

[BearSquirrel2]

38. Hartman is sitting on the fence ...

Hartman is playing it straight and sitting on the fence. But if you listen to the content of his show, it's pretty clear that Thomm isn't fond of outsourcing agenda that Clinton facilitated. Hillary is talking about China "not playing by the rules". But those are the rules that her husband put in place and I don't see how they didn't anticipate this. They still believe in the "global economy" and NAFTA and WTO. They are owned by those interests.

What probably got Ed Schultz in trouble is that he is so midwest-centric. He badmouths people who don't have "midwest values" even more than Garrison Keilor (and that's tough).

[Bumblebee]

8. Glad they suspended her. She was despicable --

regardless of whom she supports.

[madfloridian]

9. Good for Sam, he had his say on it cleverly.

.

[bdamomma]

10. you think Randi should have known better.

[EFerrari]

66. Any sober professional would have known better. n/t

[DainBramaged]

11. Here comes the "I hate Randi Rhodes" contingent

Such hate here on DU. And so few voices who speak for us with as much intelligence.

Oh well. Lots of "x's" being clicked in this thread.

[otohara]

108. You Won't Mind If I Call Her

a stupid fucking idiot? Now I'm not being hateful here, I just think what's good for goose, good for gander. However I think what she did was incredibly stupid to put her job on the line like this.

[Spiffarino]

114. Randi Rhodes is a stupid whore

...says Stephanie Miller, which is what Randi calls Steph all the time, too.

They adore each other.

I swear by all that is holy; this country is going to drive itself off the edge if we don't get off the politically correct express train to Hell. I would advise anybody who has a giant steel rod up his/her ass to go borrow some Lenny Bruce albums from the library and spend an entire weekend listening to them until it makes its way out.

[givemebackmycountry]

13. Wow...

This is going to be good.

:smoke: :beer: :popcorn:
I'm ready.

The goddess has been dispatched to the basement.
(You have had to heard the Jim Rome sports talk show to get that one).

Free speech any one?

She wasn't on the air.
I'm not sure if she was at a benefit for the station or being paid.
It's her opinion and if you don't like it well, don't listen to her.
I find what Hannity and Rush and Laura and Savage say as equally as offensive.
Difference is, they say it on nationwide television and radio.
And I don't pay attention to them anyway.

Time to fire one up and watch the fireworks.

[Hulk]

17. I support Randi 100%

She can be raw. Her humor can be near and sometimes over the edge, but have you ever seen Eddie Murphy or Robin Williams perform? There are LOTS of comedians that are over the edge. Tough shit.

Randi is not everyone's cup of tea, but she has a decent and straight message for those that are willing to open up their ears to hear.

If she is suspended, it better be for a short period of time...IF AT ALL. Maybe she should have shown a bit more caution than to refer to Hillary as a "f*cking whore", but the title fit ferraro to a tee.

We love you Randi. Screw these self righteous hypocrites that can't take profanity.

[cascadiance]

18. If AAR wants someone who's pro-Hillary, maybe they can trade wi Sirius Randi for Lynne Samuels

Though I guess Lynne would have to tone down her language then... AAR can have her. I'd much rather have Thom Hartmann on in the mornings then anyway. And then Randi can let Sirius listeners hear what she really thinks!

[jgraz]

63. They have someone who's pro-Hillary: Lionel

Too bad he's such a complete dumbfuck.

[cascadiance]

93. That's one show I'm glad we lost when we lost KLSD...

I didn't care for him much either then...

[jgraz]

94. He needs to go. His show is just one big ball of suck

[crikkett]

134. KLSD would have been a fantastic name for a psychedelic 60's station

I'm just sayin', the name was kindof wasted on talk radio...

[salib]

20. Well Mike Malloy brought me over to Nova M

I wonder where Randi will take us? I will go with her.

[depakid]

21. Randi needs a "time out"

At times she can be her own worst enemy.

[cenacle]

29. I've been wondering about her lately...

I just found out about this by reading this thread. I thought she was out sick when I heard Sam Seder on in her slot. I love Randi, but strangely lately I've found her show less enjoyable. Less research, fewer guests, more vitriole. I kept thinking, why am I starting to enjoy Rachel Maddow, who is really good, more than Randi? I used to like them equally (and Franken in the old days).

It seems like, and I am just offering an impression here, since she came out with supporting Obama, she's spent more time attacking Clinton and less time promoting him. I'd like to see her talk much more about him, go through the points of his record that won her over. I think the Obama-Clinton feud was starting to get to her too, as it is to most of us.

She is a very intelligent and funny and passionate person. I hope she'll be back, she loves radio and loves talking with callers.

And those of us who listen all day at work or elsewise will be paying close attention to how AAR handles this. A suspension like this is a telling moment for what kind of organization they see themselves as being, and wanting to be. I hope they bring her back. I would lose more than a little loyalty to them if they didn't.

[cenacle]

76. Letter to Air America Radio

My letter to http://www.airamerica.com/contact:

Dear Air America,

I have been listening to your network on a daily basis for several years now, and
have been a great fan of Randi Rhodes, in addition to Rachel Maddow, and Al Franken
when he was on the air. Your network has helped a lot of progressives get through
the worst of the Bush nightmare, and keep working for change and hope in the lives
of all. I thank you and praise you for all the hard work you all do every day.

That said, I am writing to protest the "indefinite" suspension of Randi
Rhodes from her daily show. Ms. Rhodes is one of your best show hosts, has a huge
following among progressive listeners, and had worked tirelessly to effect positive
change in this country. She is a person who should be thanked and thanked again
for her willingness to put herself on the line when others have stood silently by
while the Iraq War goes on, while poor people in this country are ignored, while
the rich bastards who run the nation get richer, smile, enjoy more tax cuts, and
get richer still.

Ms. Rhodes has spent years now in educating the public on what is really going on
in the nation and the world. Not just by her passion, not just by her research,
but by her willingness to speak on the air at length with callers of all backgrounds
and political persuasions. Countless people have called her and credited her with
helping them to finally see the truth and the lies around them. She is a very intelligent and funny and passionate person. She loves radio, and loves talking with callers, and puts on a show daily that speaks to the best of what radio can be. She is a national treasure.

Those of us who listen all day at work or elsewise will be paying close attention
to how your organization handles this situation. A suspension like this is a telling
moment for what kind of organization you see yourselves as being, and wanting to
be. I hope you bring her back, and soon. Many people, including myself, would lose
more than a little loyalty to Air America Radio if you don't.

Sincerely,
RS
Portland, Oregon

[SharonRB]

100. Great letter!

I support Randi 100% and hope she's back soon.

[howmad1]

22. What bullshit!

Is AirAmerica trying to emulate faux news by giving the impression of being "fair and balanced"? Hoooray for Randi. Now, if we can suspend the likes of Limpballs, O'Reilly, Hannitty, Ingraham, Coulter, et all, then we can say the media is "fair and balanced". This suspension is such a load of crap!

[fasttense]

23. It clearly was a Lenny Bruce moment for Air America.

The tone and style of the show was definitely a stand up comic routine. It was not like her on air routines. I think it was funny and I use to be a Hillary supporter (Now, I support no one.).

Lenny Bruce went to jail for similar comments. I hope there will be no posthumous pardon for Randi.

She should of added McCain is f'n pimp for the bushes Iraq occupation.

Edited to add further comments. Do you really care why I edited it?

[DS1]

24. Imus bad - Rhodes good

this thread is amusing. msnbc suspensions weren't enough, but this somehow goes too far.

:eyes:

[Amerigo Vespucci]

35. Litmus Test:

Scenario 1: Randi Rhodes says "What a whore Geraldine Ferraro is! She's such a f**king whore! Hillary is a big f**king whore, too" on the air.

Scenario 2: Any man...Imus or Olbermann or Willard Scott while he's doing the weather on the effing Today show, or even a "Freep" female like Laura Ingraham or Michelle Malkin or Ann Coulter...says "What a whore Geraldine Ferraro is! She's such a f**king whore! Hillary is a big f**king whore, too" on the air.

If everyone would feel exactly the same under both scenarios, we have consistency. If we don't, it's called "Change the rules on an individual basis for the people you like and don't like, or gender or race or political stripes," which somehow seems to suck as far as morals and ethics are concerned.

:patriot:

[Raejeanowl]

57. You Da Man, Amerigo

The game goes on too much here, also. Everyone needs to be observing the same set of rules. And if we've got any ingrained standards of decency at all, if we exercised a small measure of self-censorship, the issue would usually be a moot one. When is it EVER appropriate to call a presidential candidate a whore over the airwaves or in print, just because you don't LIKE them? What the f**k is WRONG with her?

[Donnachaidh]

67. Bingo! Give this guy the stuffed toy from the TOP!

"If everyone would feel exactly the same under both scenarios, we have consistency. If we don't, it's called "Change the rules on an individual basis for the people you like and don't like, or gender or race or political stripes," which somehow seems to suck as far as morals and ethics are concerned."

There is a LOT of this sort of inconsistency going on here, and in the media. Funny how so many can get behind someone spewing such crap, and then scream bloody murder if their candidate has anything approaching a negative comment made about them.

Bunch of big old HYPOCRITES.

[bbgrunt]

72. except Randi did not say it on the air--she was at a club.

[Amerigo Vespucci]

81. "...at a recent public appearance on behalf of Air America in San Francisco...

...San Francisco which was sponsored by an Air America affiliate station."

If you follow the link in my original post, you'll see what I just posted above.

So she was on the clock, and Air America acted accordingly. Whether they "should have" suspended her or "should not have," she was on the clock and NOT on her free time.

Sponsors go APE SHIT over this stuff, and it doesn't matter if they're "pro-Hillary" or "anti-Hillary." They don;t want companies they sponsor having their employees calling ANYONE a "f**king whore," ANYWHERE.

But when it's on the clock, they can pick up the phone and "do an Imus" on Randi.

And once again, read my original post. I'm not defending or attacking anyone.

I'm saying that what is good for the goose is good for the gander...equal standards for everyone.

:patriot:

[rayofreason]

98. Spot on posts. n/t

[lark]

141. I love you man

and 100% f**ing agree. :toast:

[SharonRB]

101. First of all, she didn't say it on-air

She said it at a personal appearance and it was like a stand-up comedy routine.

[Amerigo Vespucci]

117. Well, yes and no...

...she didn't say it on her Air America show, but:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=102&topic_id=3254383&mesg_id=3254644

[laststeamtrain]

25. Who's the who-er now?

I imagine there's people who just love Randi. I've never been one of them. I used to tune in sometimes, not so much
anymore.

I felt she was at her best when talking to Brent Budowsky.

Wasn't she a Clinton attacker during the Monica miasma? I think I've heard her say that.

Oh well...

[NMLobo]

96. No. EOM

[mzmolly]

27. Part of the reason AAR was founded was to help Dems win.

I adore Randi, but I wish people would use some restraint.

[noel adamson]

31. Randi Rhodes was probably the main reason Air America Radio got off the ground.

Like her husband, Hillary is Republican Lite and has prostituted herself to trans national corporations.

I suspect she will be moving up in the world from this point though it is good AAR has Thom Hartman who I find listenable.

[orleans]

32. there's a looong thread on this in gdp

randi was representing aar at a station's event
so i think she should have been a bit more tactful

on the other hand, she was riffing and trying to be funny, and getting laughs--and in the name of comedy haven't people said outrageous shit and gotten away with it? (remember eddie murphy's delirious? or andrew dice clay? doesn't lewis black call the bush administration a bunch of whores?--i'm not sure, but he has said some wickedly outrageous shit about public figures too...and just for the record i love lewis black)

[Ian David]

74. Well, if she was just calling Geraldine Feraro a "fucking whore" it would be different.

Feraro would just say, "How'd she know?"

[hlthe2b]

34. As an Obama supporter, even I have been appalled at R. R

and how vehemently she has gone after Hillary Clinton... She seemed to soften her tone the past couple of days, but last week, whew boy.... It had just gone WAY too far....

[RoccoR5955]

39. Welcome to the Police States of AmeriKKKa!

:kick:
Even though some remarks Randi makes may be out of line, one has to know when to take her, as ANYONE, with a grain of salt. The management of AAR should know this. I thought that they did, but they are simply towing the DNC line, and Mr. Greene, can take his radio station and put it where the sun don't shine, because Nova M is where it's at.

They did the same thing to Mike Malloy, when he spoke out in favor of Palestinians in Israel. They suspended him for a few days, and when his contract was up, they fired him. He's now on Nova M, where there is ACTUAL freedom of speech for the hosts there. In order for the public to be informed, they have to hear ALL sides, and then form their OWN opinion!

Thanks AAR. You are no "Liberal Talk Radio Network," you're merely a tool of the DNC!

I guess Pacifica and Nova M are still in business though. I'll have to listen to them more.

[DainBramaged]

44. As of THIS SECOND I am no longer listening to WMMR in NYC or Air America

I just locked into NOVA M, and AR and their bullshit Fascism can turn to shit.

Vitamin guys in the morning, Ed fucking Schultz at noon, Jesus I don't give a shit about Big Ed I want Thom Hartman and Randi on WMMR.

[BearSquirrel2]

95. Mike Malloy ???

Pardon me for pointing this out. I like Mike Malloy A LOT. But if you're looking for blatant, honest vitriole, Mike Malloy is your man. He's WAAAAAYYY more over the top and deadly serious than Randi. Randi is a lot more playful and she's always cracking jokes.

I do think a week suspension is appropriate. If Limbaugh or Hannity had said that, we'd be after them.

I don't think Air America will fire Randi Rhodes. She's their biggest star.

[seriousstan]

41. About fucking time. Kick this drunken, toothless fool to the curb.

Bottoms up Randi.

[Cleita]

43. AAR has apparently lost it's way.

One of the things about liberals is that we don't walk in lockstep and we do criticize our own when they cross the liberal line. If we don't then we might as well look in the mirror because we are only the other side of the conservative looking glass. First they got rid of Mike Malloy, while he was subbing for Randi incidentally. I like Sam Seder but he ought to watch what he says too. As for Randi, maybe Nova radio will pick her up and AAR can continue with the boring programming that fills in between their daily stars, Thom Hartmann, Rachel Maddow, besides Sam Seder and some of the weekend hosts. I find myself listening to it less and less these days, especially my local affiliate that insists on running banal local programming and sports events. I stream more and more these days and it isn't all AAR.

Randi was in San Francisco, which is ultra-liberal, and ultra critical of their liberals when they start walking and talking like Republican ducks. She was doing a comedy routine, not being broad casted, which are not always politically correct. I really don't think AAR is right about this because this will probably be three less hours that I will listen to them if Randi goes. I'm sure many of her other listeners feel the same way.

btw Thom Hartmann replayed some sexist vitriol spewed by Rush Limbaugh on his morning show. I guess if Rush, Howard, Sean, et al say the most offensive things on the face of this earth that have little basis in fact, it's okay, but our people can't do it when they are speaking the truth. I really feel that Big Brother is very real and very much censoring us in our listening habits but not of those whose lies and diatribe that they approve of.

[noel adamson]

51. They have. Randi's comments very much represent the views of the people who voted the Democrats....

...back into majority status in the House and Senate only to have our hopes squashed with "off the table" Nancy and more troops sent to the fascist occupation of Iraq rather than less. To say we have been betrayed and that they are whores to transnational corporate power is really a pretty polite way to put it. They have stood by while the Republicans have shredded the Constitution and turned our country into a fascist dictatorship.

fas-cism (fash-is-em) n. A system of government that exercises a dictatorship of the extreme right, typically through the merging of state and business leadership, together with a belligerent nationalism. -The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language

[lark]

142. Why single out Clinton as a "whore"

She and Obama voted the exact same way in the Senate. Neither showed any backbone, along with most of the rest of the Dems, and including all the leadership.

[Ian David]

77. Randi isn't a comedian. Stephanie Miller is a comedian.

If Randi's supposed to be a comedian, she must be a particularly awful one, because I've never noticed.

But FWIW, what she said was nowhere near as bad as what Captain Phonesex O'Reilly, Drug-addled gasbag Limbaugh, The Savage Weiner, Hapless Hannity, or countless right-wingers say every day before they go home to cash their huge paychecks.

We need to hold ourselves to a higher standard, for sure.

But we also need to maintain perspective.

I don't think Randi should be thrown under the bus for this, but she sure needs a good spanking.

[Iris]

131. and why is Sam Sedar tucked away on the weekends?

He's the best they've got.

[slackmaster]

47. Gulag!

[cornflake_31]

48. God forbid you have an opinion in this country anymore...

Farewell to free speech. I smell a Clinton behind this. Fuck Hillary and fuck Bill!

[goodgd_yall]

49. Was she blitzed?

Journalism and drink is common mix, but not a particularly good one if you're in broadcast journalism.

[onehandle]

52. Good thing she didn't do this to Obama. DUers would have burned her at the stake.

Worse is said about Hillary every ten seconds at DU.


DU = 90% Pro-Obama*

Real World Democrats = Slightly more than 50% Pro-Obama


I'm ready for Hillary to call it a day, but this is a democracy and she has the right to run as long as neither candidate has the delegates.

DUers don't get that.

I like Randi but she does step into Rush territory now and then.


*(Actually I think it's less because of the many DUers who have left or are silent because they have been mercilessly attacked by the minority of Obama supporters who are Way over the top)

[napoleon_in_rags]

55. Nice sanity dose.

I feel like there is an internet culture which extends from freerepublic to here which is basically addicted to losing. We define ourselves as underdogs and defend that identity to the death, even if it means attacking our own. These people viciously attacking Clinton, (rather than her policies) are, as you say, attacking about 40% of progressive Democrats who support her. Disenfranchising 40% of your base in an election is transparently, obviously suicidal. But people do it, because its more important to define their "underdog" subgroup against groups like the DLC than to actually win.

[Raejeanowl]

59. You've Got That Right On Many Counts

Hillary may or may not need to "get out," but DU Obama supporters generally need to "get out more."

[ckramer]

128. Joe lieberman is so proud to be the "Real World Democrat"

That's why Bush was elected twice.

[chelsea0011]

53. She is one of the reasons left wing radio fails. They pick the

very worst for national radio. Sirius left? Air America(now)? They both suck 75% of the time.

[Overseas]

56. Suspension makes dumb remarks into a BIG STORY

That's what irks me most. Randi's comments at the evening event for adults were in a kind of stand-up comedy format. And they were boring clunker comments. Let 'em sink. By suspending Randi, the crude talk becomes a big story and gives the corporate media more reason to discuss the anger between factions in the democratic party.

[yurbud]

58. this is nuts. she is the best thing on the network. Hartmann is great, but Randi is our id

[yurbud]

60. do people really want talk radio hosts who are as smarmy and dishonest as pols?

No one would listen.

[khaos]

61. it's just a word.. everyone should know what she meant

but then again the average dumbass american slave is used to politicians and people in the media talking to them like little wittle babies.. goo goo

[Razorblade01]

62. First Bernie Ward 's downfall, Now Randi..

Where will it end? I am losing my heroes. I have stopped listening to Ray Taliaferro and almost stopped listening to Randi Rhodes and Stephenie Miller. I am sick to death of hearing them slam Hillary and Bill Clinton who are still an very important part of the Democratic party!!!!!

When will all you haters realize that too much hatred is tearing us all apart? We should all be together and slamming McCain. But instead slamming and eating our own!!!
I BEG all of you who are doing this to please STOP!!! That especially means YOU Stephanie and Randi and Ray!!!

[still_one]

64. maybe Sam will get her show /nt

[Ian David]

70. This is NOT how I wanted to see Sammy get his show back. n/t

[still_one]

82. I know /nt

[BattyDem]

65. A suspension for something that wasn't even said on-air

:wtf:

Insult Hillary and you're screwed. It's BushCo all over again. :-(

[EFerrari]

68. If there are other people in the room with you, it's on the air.

Radio is a tough business and she knew the rules before she opened her mouth. When you are out in public, you are still representing your radio employer. That's just the way it is.

Is she on drugs or something? :shrug:

[indimuse]

83. she

was actually at an Air America event in SF...sad.


drugs...funny, I've ask myself the very same question several times in the past few months...lol..

[Ian David]

71. She was there representing her radio station and Air America.

It would be like if you deliberately exposed yourself to the boss at the company picnic, you could expect to be fired even if it was your day off and you weren't in the office.

She was there representing her corporate masters, on their dime.

[EFerrari]

85. The most diligently careful stand ups I've worked with have radio gigs.

Period.

That doesn't mean they can't loosen up. That means they triple check the ground rules. That's how they keep their jobs. :shrug:

[Ian David]

86. Watching her bit on YouTube, she's being pretty funny. But I think she was drunk.

For a minute, I thought I was watching Paula Abdul.

Anyway, if it wasn't for calling Hillary a "fucking whore" it would have been pretty good.

Maybe if she'd called Hillary a "fucking asshole" or something gender-neutral?

You know, Randi says she gets stage fright.

Maybe she can chalk it all up to anxiety?

Or meds she took FOR anxiety?

[EFerrari]

89. Being drunk or high is also a good way to lose your job.

These gigs are just jobs. You have to show up ready to work and everything. :)

[Ian David]

90. What if you need to be high to do your job in the first place?

I bet Keith Richardson has that in his contract.

[EFerrari]

91. You'd pretty much have to.

I've never met a more petty, vindictive and generally dickheaded bunch of people than bookers unless it's middle size club owners. Owners of small clubs are optimistic as a crew, large clubs have corporate guidelines.

The sleeze is in the middle like a cheese sandwich gone bad.

If you want to tell people to fuck off, you need to get it in writing first and in triplicate and make sure your lawyer, your agent and your mom get those copies BEFORE you go on.

This is why more people turn to dealing than to show bizness. :)

[Ian David]

69. Coming from an Obama supporter, I agree that her behavior was inappropriate.

We on the left hold ourselves to a higher standard and shouldn't put up with it.

I think suspension is appropriate, but even though I don't much care for Randi Rhodes, I don't think she deserves to be fired.

Even though it might get Sam Seder back on every day, this is not how I would like to see that happen.

I'd prefer Sam replace that giant bag of douche, Lionel.

[elocs]

75. No, she is not the enemy, but it is appropriate that she be held accountable for poor judgement.

If this were a radio or tv person making racial comments, this would be a no brainer for us. There is no absolute right of free speech regarding choices can consequences. I cannot say whatever I like at my place of employment without having to face the consequences of my choice. Same here. Trashing or tearing down the candidate you support does not make your choice taller or better or more noble. The job of destroying Democrats should be left to Republicans and we should not participate in that.

[Blackdog4241]

79. This is why our country is going down in flames.....

Democrats are week crying little babies that can't handle a little spicy language or an opinion
that differs a little from there own.
Republicans are just self serving assholes that fall in lock step with whatever their master
tells them.
I can't wait until this two party system is gone.
When there are finally more Independents than these two has been failures.
Maybe then We'll start voting for real people and issues instead of teams.:banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead:

[EFerrari]

87. I can't even read that.

And how do you know that Democrats busted her? Do you have a link or a reference for that?

She broke the rules. This is called a "consequence".

[DainBramaged]

92. Who's rules??

Bullshit she didn't break any rules, the Clinton campaign complained and Mark Green/Air America asked how high they should jump.

Fascism runs deep, even in the Democratic party. If this is a prelude to how she would run the country, Clinton should just stay a Senator.

[leftynyc]

106. Do you have a link to the Clinton complaint

Because if you don't, why shouldn't we assume you're making it up out of thin air?

[DainBramaged]

109. We'll find out the REAL truth soon enough

Until then


Imagine a REAL President waving goodbye

[lark]

143. Making up convenient lies out of thin air

used to be a RW tactic, sad to see it employed by a "so-called" progressive. You have zero basis for this cannard other than your pure hatred of a woman. Supporters like you are one reason why I just can't warm up to Obama, even though I really don't like HRC that much either. As a left wing woman, I'm just sick of the gender bias on this board from the Obamatrons.

[Breathe]

84. Just what we need. Another Imus...

Imus was fired for his "nappy headed ho's" comment. This is the same thing. Whether or not it was "on the air", whether or not it was a first infraction, name-calling is wrong. No matter who does it. It's an attempt to dehumanize the individual and has been used as a propaganda tool for a very long time. It's time for it to stop. Shame on Ms. Rhodes. I'm so disappointed in her. It reflects badly on her, it reflects badly on Air America and it reflects badly on women. It also gives blanket permission to detractors to say the same thing. You know the right wing pundits are gonna have a hay day with this. What was she thinking!?! Oh wait. She wasn't.

[DainBramaged]

102. THIS ISN'T RACIST, JESUS, she called Clinton a whore

and like I said previously, Randi Rhodes isn't the fucking enemy. And if we can't express our opinions to a PRIVATE audience without repercussions, this is no longer America, this is Fascist Fundie land.


Since when does Clinton dictate the discourse in this country??????

NOW I am POSITIVE my support of Barack Obama is the right decision.


McCain and the Reich wing are the enemy.


Get off your high horse and pull your head out of the sand.

[lark]

144. Living up to your name in every way

It........was..........a........corporate........sponsored........event, so she she was at work,just not on air. Since I said it real slow, did you get it? Geez. Since when is hate speech a Democratic virtue? Why are you assuming Clinton had anything to do with it - pure prejudice against the woman? What if Randi said Obama is a f&&*g q***r? Would that be all right, after all it was just talk? See, hate speech is just not OK, no matter who the target.

[pfitz59]

103. I watched the video...

Lots of profanity. Definately not "The View"

[liberal1973]

105. The View?

lol... is terrible. Randi Rhodes kicks ass.

[Gman]

104. Good riddance

Randi started thinking she had the only opinion in the world that mattered a couple of years ago.

[liberal1973]

126. Opinion?

[olddad56]

107. Sadly, I couldn't listen to her any longer anyway...

I live in Sacramento, last week the station that carried her, 1240AM switched to a Gospel Music format.

[liberal1973]

112. Yeah Malloy mentioned that last night.

[Jersey Ginny]

119. Get back on the air Randi!

This seems rather extreme decision on the part of the AAR Corporatists. I've been uncomfortable with Randi coming out so strongly against HRC. I recall many times that Randi said she never takes sides in a primary, so I'm not sure why she changed. That being said, NOTHING was said on the air that was clearly over the edge. Randi has been my savior along with Sam, Mike Malloy, and Rachel M since AAR on the radio. Get back soon Randi. We need your smarts and humor!

[Oreegone]

120. Rock on Free Speech

So who gives a shit? If they hadn't suspended her who would even know about this? The coverage would be limited. I love Lenny Bruce and in his memory I have to say....Say what you feel Randy.....this is bullshit.

[Popol Vuh]

127. Free Speech?

That was my thought too. If I owned AAR I'd tell all the cry babies that Randy has a right to say what she wants off air and what she wants on air so long as it doesn't violate FCC rules.

[ckramer]

129. When Randi Rhodes was on in the Boston market

I used to listen to her everyday.

But AA has disappeared from here for many many years.

[Zhade]

136. I care neither for the liar clinton or the shrieker Rhodes, but this feels wrong to me.

NT!

[samsingh]

137. Bring back RANDI!