Joe Scarborough performed a sort of exorcism in Imus's studio this morning on MSNBC

[DeepModem Mom]

This morning (Friday) MSNBC's Joe Scarborough, a former GOP Congressman, was taking a turn in Imus's former time slot. I didn't hear the entire segment, but Joe had Hillary Clinton as his guest. Senator Clinton never appeared with Imus. His misogynistic viciousness toward her, expressed with cruelty, in graphic terms, knew no bounds. But Joe not only welcomed her, he apologized to her for things he has said about her and Bill, adding, "'96, '97 were not my best years." Joe told her he thought she blew away her competition at the Democratic debate. There was good natured teasing back and forth, and Hillary was comfortable, and funny. Joe even consulted her about a Mother's Day present for his Mom.

After this interview, Joe went on to interview Kinky Friedman, who said that there were three men listening in Texas, and that after Joe talked to Hillary, two of them had changed their mind about her (one of them being Kinky himself). He said something like, we don't have to be afraid of this woman.

I don't post this because Hillary is my candidate (she's not) or because I'm Joe Scarborough's biggest fan or because I want to beat the dead horse of Imus. I post it because, particularly as a woman, I felt satisfaction that this kind of conversation, which could never have taken place with Imus behind the desk, took place. I felt like the proverbial fresh breeze had swept into that studio, and that a step had been taken toward a day when hate speech, especially aimed at women -- even when couched as humor, even in the presence of political and media powerhouses, even when it makes money -- might become a thing of the past.

[snowbear]

1. Is Scarborough taking over that timeslot?

...Or are they still trying to figure out who to put there?

Anyone know?

[DeepModem Mom]

2. Media Bistro had a rumor this a.m. that David Gregory is the front-runner --

but even the rumor is unconfirmed. My guess is they're still deciding.

[snowbear]

4. Hmmm.. all nighters with David Gregory, huh...

Yeah.. I could handle that.

[DeepModem Mom]

8. Very cute pic! nt

[Hieronymus]

11. I'd like to see David Gregory do that spot.

Scarborough sucks.

[goclark]

3. Bet he did that just to get the time slot

and make us think that he likes us.

I am sick of his ugly face, day and night and all afternoon is WAY too much of JOE to see.

One second is too long for me.

[DeepModem Mom]

6. I actually think he can be pleasant on TV -- pretty reasonable for a conservative...

and easier on my nerves than Tweety! But you could be right.

[Bozita]

5. Strong guest list plus Hillary should seal deal!

Mornin' Joe is here, imho.

[DeepModem Mom]

7. She was indeed a big "get" for Joe (I think that's the TV interview term). nt

[Dogmudgeon]

9. Joe is turning out to be the only serious conservative

If the conservative political movement is to survive, it will be because of people like Joe Scarborough. He is intelligent, he's not a hater, he has a sense of humor that is refreshingly NON-thuggish, his criticisms of Democrats and liberals are well-reasoned and not made out of bloodlust, and his criticisms of his fellow conservatives are surprisingly insightful. His criticisms of Bush, for example, have more depth than the usual perfunctory complaints that Bush is a "big gummint conservative".

The era of Limbaughtian verbal fart-lighting is over. Joe Scarborough is the kind of conservative we have to take seriously.

You know, I probably agree with only a few slender percents of what Joe believes and advocates for, but I still think he's "the Real Deal". We dismiss him at our peril; if we pay attention to what he has to say, we will benefit.

And how long has it been since there has been a conservative who has had something to offer liberals, even as ironically-derived cautionary advice?

I shudder to consider the day he decides to run for President.

--p!

[bklyncowgirl]

12. I agree, he is an intelligent critic of Bush from the right side of the political spectrum

I find his show quite watchable. He has good guests and gets into lively debates. I don't have to agree with someone to enjoy their show.

[lildreamer316]

10. Good observation.

This is how progress is made.
Thanks for the insightful recap.

[nevergiveup]

13. As a conservative

Joe is the best there is these days. Much of the time I do not agree with him but he doesn't dwell on the usual right wing hate crap and he doesn't seem to have a problem having progressives as guests. I thought the interview with Hillary went over exceptionally well for both of them and I am not a Hillary fan. I would like to see him interview Edwards and Obama.