Political Punch

Anyone who thinks NCS learned its lesson hasn't been watching "Countdown" with Keith Bloberman. For the past several weeks, Bloberman has devoted the first quarter hour of his "newscast" spinning every comment from the Clinton campaign into a perceived obfuscation that exists only in Bloberman's mercenary mind, while simultaneously exculpating Obama from ever criticism. His nightly rants have been completely devoid of any objectivity whatsoever.

I was a big fan until he decided to become a 3rd rate political hack. Nobody at NBC can be trusted anymore.

I’ve been an ardent Clinton supporter from the beginning of this campaign, but this response is out of line. Political commentary is an outgrowth of the 24-hours news cycle. You can no longer cry the names of Murrow and Cronkite any time a station with the word “news” in their name delves into the realm of commentary, however scathing or tasteless it may be received.

If it’s the intent of the Clinton campaign to express their distain for an apparently lax attitude at MSNBC regarding sexist comments, then it’s well within their rights and appropriate to express those concerns. But for a candidate for President of the United States to suggest that a commentator be fired for their expression of an idea is completely over the line. Hillary Clinton must be aware of the impact of her words; and understand that even though she may be speaking as a mother, the influence of those words is that of a likely future President.

Just as I supported the campaign’s criticism of Barak Obama’s irresponsible statements regarding his plans for Pakistan, I am equally critical of Clinton’s disregard for the context from which her words will be heard. It’s especially an issue with regard to the media. To suggest certain resolutions are insufficient is bullying of the media. When you’re the likely President-Elect, this is in effect an infringement of the right to free-speech.

There is a great deal of latitude in how our rights are protected by the Executive. The person yielding this power must have an acute sense of it and act responsibly with regard to it. We’ve had eight years someone who is oblivious to it. I hope that this latest development (whereas the campaign is not calling for Shuster’s firing) holds true, and that both campaigns understand that the President should be a champion of our rights, not an activist parent succumbing to parental instincts with regard to the Constitution. This country needs its activism, just not in the White House.

Shuster went over the line, but when the Clintons start pretending to be victims again, I run for cover.

When will both Hillary and Bill realize that they are their most repulsive and obnoxious when they are pretending they are victims? It is pathetic.

If Shuster had said the word "pimp" in reference to McCain's daughter, or Obama's wife....or 9 year old daughter.....would there not be a few words said to his boss?
I say print Shuster's home address and telephone number, and put his kids' names and faces up on tv, so he can get the feeling. He has no respect for anything except trying to get a "hit" to further his cheap no responsibility papparazzi career.

Society has gotten to the point where when things like this are let slide they just get worse. I am sick of the media, I can barely watch it anymore. Not so with PBS, they do not have to do things like to that insult or degrade either side.

Hillary is in a tough position, it should not be up to her to decide to do the right thing and fire Shuster.

That Shuster has not been fired already without putting more onus on the Clinton campaign compounds NBC's mistake.

Fire this guy now, NBC, and do not blame Clinton - just do the right thing.

If the Clintons really cared about boorish attitudes towards women, perhaps they should check out another NBC moment, when a woman named Juanita talked about how Bill Clinton raped her. Then again, maybe that's what this has been about all along!

It should be noted that the Clintons are, in effect, using every loophole imaginable to surpress free speech- and they're not even back in the White House yet! Chelsea can go around and pressure super-delegates, but you shan't dare questions her?!?!?! Criticize her, and your reporters will be suspended? The message is clear- don't say anything bad about us, or else!

The Clintons are sick and depraved, as are the people that support them (unless they are just brainwashed, which is probably worse). If Barack can beat them, maybe he really IS the messiah!

CNN got rid of their political commentators due to Obama camp.
Yet they bring in Carl Berstein who just reeks with hate of the Clinton's and probably woman. What is the problem here?

Chris Matthews began this long ago. When he said Hillary was elected to the Senate due to her husband fooling around, I'm paraphrasing, that was it.
I always liked him. True colors. A real good ole boy comment. An apology from any of them is meaningless.
Chris spoke his heart. Any opinion of his is now irrelevant as he lost my respect. Same with Schuster.
Naturally Hillary's daughter will contact delagates as she is family. She believes in her mom. ALL candidates are utilizing family memebers. Michelle Obama and Oprah are using all their star power. Kennedy is in fact "pimping" Obama.
She won't cancel debate, she's too classy. Maybe MSNBC did this intentionally hoping she would? She wants debate. Obama's few years in the Senate has been used running for President.

So what would be wrong with wanting Shuster and several other talking heads fired? Nothing of course.

If the democratic base gets that powerful that media out lets will fire bloviators, then good for us.

We aren't there yet. I think that's obvious.

That is why Clinton didn't specifically ask that Shuster be fired.
Is there an implication in the letter that Clinton wants Shuster to be fired? Perhaps, but the denial by Clinton's camp pretty much ends speculation that it was anything more than implication.

Now we got a headline on this site saying "Clinton Camp Backing Off Firing Demand?".
Since we've already established that there was no demand to fire Shuster, this bit just seems to be a bit of provocation.

This whole thing looks like blow back. Clinton rightly goes after MSNBC and Shuster for saying something vile.
The media in general tries to find a pretext to flip this back on Clinton. So low and behold we have the letter described as a "demand" that Shuster be dismissed. The charge is based on a very loose reading of the letter and a bit of the mind reading that the media loves so much.

So the story changes from Clinton being one of the few Democrats that is able to stand up to the media, to Clinton makes unreasonable demands.

False indignation never swayed me.

Bring back David Shuster.

The comment was distasteful, but certainly not some crazy out-of-bounds question. This is an adult who her parents "shield" yet are happy to use politically (as Shuster clumsily said instead of "being used" -- "pimped out"). I am a woman and fairly open-minded and what is most disturbing about this issue is for the first time I actually feel that a political campaign is trying to play politics with a news organization. Sure, MSNBC has pundits and a campaign may not like they way they talk, but for NBC to take this complaint this seriously is disturbing. It indicates a need to be in the good graces of a political campaign versus just trusting in their reporters. And if I am not mistaken, the coverage as I flip through in the last 48 hours seem to be all Clinton-glow -- someone actually described Clinton as a great orator. I think NBC is being played. The apology was enough (and too much even) -- this is an adult who wasn't being insulted as much as her parents were. I plan to write NBC to let them know that I am disappointed in how they seem to be being played. Political campaigns are good at organizing letter-writing campaigns NBC -- this was really pretty mildly distasteful.

Slowly but surely, I will not be voting for Clinton -- and maybe not watching MSNBC. I am tired of the undue influence.

Of course, others might think she is capitalizing on an ugly moment to galvanize female voters.

What say you?

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And just WHO are these "others" you mention? Or are you just creating some "straw men" to bash the Clintons with?

Is this the worst thing that has ever been said about a Clinton?

Close, but no cigar.

This all stinks!!!

Hillary doesn't want to debate Obama and she's looking for any damn excuse to get out of it. Sounds like Shuster gave her a reason. Too bad...

Words are that...words. If you don't like them, use some to defend yourself otherwise get in line with the rest of the heard and be quiet!

I applaud people who give a little color to their language. I would rather have a intelligent discussion with someone I completely disagree with then have a head bobber who is just going alone with me because they have no idea what's going on.

I'm no Hillary, Obama, Romney, McCain or any other politician fan. I vote on issues....that's it. I try and figure out who is going to do the least amount of damage to the issues that matter most to me and vote that way.

The only year I didn't do that was with H.R. Ross Perot. I thought maybe what we needed was for the country to be run like a big corporate. Well...Enron fixed that idea.

NBC is out of control. I cannot believe some of the things I have heard from Shuster, Matthews, and Russert. I have heard them make inappropriate comments, laugh, and sneer at the Clinton's.

I am soooo done with NBC over this inappropriate media biased. I actually have equated them with the downfall of this country - right along with the Bush administration. We are in serious trouble in this country, and NBC is an excellent example of why.

NBC is the WORST and trashiest media coverage available in America right now. They have done everything to smear the Clinton's and push Obama down our throat. We cannot afford for a bunch of out of control fanatics to influence this election. We cannot afford Obama, or any new president that will need a learning curve.

Who is getting paid off here, or what is the truth behind NBC's motives? I am sickened and saddened by the NBC coverage of this election. What has happened to NBC? Someone at the TOP should be FIRED. America we are watching the demise of a giant = NBC.
NBC why do fear Hillary Clinton so much?

Disgusted in Illinois

Shuster has fans?

Shuster's comments were in poor taste but I can't help thinking that a DESPERATE Clinton campaign is trying to milk this for all it's worth.

Memo to Hillary & Bill: It won't work. It's time for change and Obama is the man to do it!!!!!!

how can people actually say that the clintons are bullying the media like they've always done? how are they responsible for david shuster's comment? there is a big difference between being a "bully" and responding to an disgusting remark.

no where did anyone from hrc's campaign say that she wanted david fired. wolfson said that she was thinking twice abt appearing on anymore debates on the network. that isnt bullying. that is saying enough is enough! they trash her every single morning for three hours straight, while they kneel and make the sign of the cross before uttering the word "obama." go hillary!

This is a great opportunity to shake some sense into the media. They should have no on-air opinions and should simply report the facts.

I say Hillary has a great opportunity here to correct one of the most glaring problems in our nation. We want the news and only the news.

has anyone asked the romney boys why they havent served in a war that their father supports?

did anyone aske abt the drinking and dancingon tables by the bush girls when they were stumping for dad?

NOPE! why? media bias against the clintons! that is the only plain simple explanation for what was said regarding chelsea.

can you even begin to imagine what would have happened if shuster said the word "pimp" with regard ti michele??? this would be the biggest RACE issue ever... forget gender and you know david would be fired. period. end of story.

msnbc has gone off the deep end with their shoddy reporting... this is just another aspect of it... notice how mika doesnt even feel the need to disclose that her dad and brother are advisors to obama and her other brother is advising mccain???

p.s. to the idiot that made reference to the fact that obamas daughters arent calling superdelegates... they are children. little children. make some sense you moron. like a little kid is going to call a former president or senator or party elder. for real?

Mr. Shuster should be able to use whatever language he sees fit. Words are in the news too much. I believe that his intent was to characterize Ms. Clinton as a tool to further the Clinton message and, as such, should be available for comment. Pimp was a poor choice but not a career ending one!

The Clintons are trying to intimidate the press into less critical coverage.

This is scary. Will she bully the free press when she is president if they "insult" her??

Ruthless bullies.

I find all this rhetoric about what is appropriate and what is not comical. The trouble and instability of this country is what everone should be focused on. The Clintons are not about change they are all about themselves. Bill optimized this by his adulterous activities while running our country. Hillary is all about power and personal gain. She has not accomplished one positive act while as a senator. The issues are going to be daunting for whoever becomes president. Voters beware we have a huge responsibility before us. Make your selection based on facts and track record not emotion.

Hillary wasn't trying to get Shuster fired. Doesn't surprise me that this pro-Obama site would distort her letter. It's about the nasty comments they have made about her during the campaign. People I know who work behind the scenes at MSNBC say it has a frat boy mentality. This proves it. Hopefully they will be less biased and emotional and stick to the issues in their future comments.

Dari,
Thank you for being the voice of reason here. While I may not go as far as to say Hillary is responsible for the deaths of soldiers in Iraq, she definitely DID VOTE FOR IT. I'm not going into the whole flip/flop thing...but just own up that you did vote for it..it was bad and that's it. Why is it no one ever admits to a mistake (except for Shuster who OWNED up to his error and apologies on air.) I'm not even saying what Chelsea is doing is wrong. JUST OWN UP TO THE FACT THAT SHE'S A TOOL OF THE CAMPAIGN. And being a tool, subject to criticism. Obama is no shining star in all this. I find NO politician without some sort of back dealing agenda somewhere. They're human, and this is the only way you get ahead in politics. Sorry...but that's just the truth. I like what Ron Paul is saying, but he's not going anywhere because he DOESN'T do any of this back door deals (And yes...about a million other problems with him also..but I digress). If Chelsea wants to help Mom, then she will be subject to all the same attacks and what not that comes with the game. You don't get to make phone calls without the consequences.

Dari How dare you accuse Clinton of being repsponsible for the deaths in Iraq! It was president Bush's ill planned and propaganda-like tactics which led to her even voting. If anyone is responsible for waging this war, the its the president. Shame on you for saying that.

>>>I have not read all these posts, but it seems to me that no one has pointed out that the Obama campaign is busy courting these superdelegates also.<<<

Correct -- but they aren't using Malia or Sasha, or even Michelle (unless it's someone she knows personally, I suppose). NYT reports that former Sen. Tom Daschele, Gov. Janet Neapolitano and similar people are calling their 'colleagues' to ask for support for Sen. Obama. That's the appropriate way to do it. And if Obama *did* send his daughters or wife (with exception noted) to directly contact party leaders and ask for their support, it would be absolutely valid to ask if it wasn't somehow "unseemly" and if Obama wasn't "pimping them out in some weird sort of way". (Schuster's full comment) ---- THAT'S why other candidates aren't getting criticism like this: THEY DON'T "USE" THEIR CHILDREN INAPPROPRIATELY!

It is a shame about David Shuster. He is the latest in a very
L O N G line of people to be "used" and "abused" in order for the Clintons' to receive media attention for yet again, being "victimized".

There is truth in the old cliche: If you can't stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen.

It is one thing for Chelsea Clinton as an adult to be campaigning for her mother. However, then Ms. Clinton, is as fair game for the scrutiny of the press as any other adult campaigning on behalf of candidates in either party.

For me, a 55 year old woman and mother, (one of my degrees is in Women Studies), I find it completely repugnant that "gender" is being 'studied' instead of the character and the issues of each candidate.

Further enflaming the radical feminist branch of voters, regardless of their blatant attempts to distort the other candidate's position on "their" issues (Connecticut NOW mailer; same mailer in NH), may, in the end, not assist Senator Clinton in her bid for the Presidency with mainstream voters.

The real shame of it is that in reality, as poorly thought out and unprofessional as Shuster's question/remark was, he is the REAL victim of this entire mess!

Mr. Shuster capitulated and APOLOGIZED which is MORE than Senator Clinton has ever done for her vote for the Iraq war.

Senator Clinton has NEVER apologized to ALL the mothers whose adult children are NO LONGER ALIVE to be "called names".

Man, this entire kafuffle is exactly why women shouldn't get into the political arena.

It just degrades the entire preocess. We should be focusing on issues not all these supposed hurt feelings.

Did anyone go after Mitt's sons??

THAT WOULD BE SHUSTER!!! He did a story on how his son's were "serving their country" by campaigning for their Father.

And as far as pimped out being in the younger generation venacular.....meet a few, you'd be surprised at the words they use and what they mean and don't mean.

So if McCain wins, Bush will fall off the wagon? I wonder if that's because Old George knows that revenge is best served cold and McCain's will most certainly will be frozen solid by now.

Clinton/McCain doesnt sound too bad actually. Then I wouldnt have to see Obama's face on the news more often.
And personally, I despise Bush and McCain. But Obama's sheisty tactics have not won me over at all. Obama whines, especially when he's playing the race card.

George Bush and I wouldn't mind having a beer together. Maybe that will happen after McCain wins.

Of course he wouldn't shrug it off. But an apology for a first offense is normally sufficient---or should be. Certainly if Mr. Schuster repeats, then off with his head. Scarborough apologized and has been pretty careful not to re-offend. Give Schuster the same opportunity.

Dear Bundler, I guess for those who vote personaly, Clinton/McCain would feel a fair trade-off. For issue voters----not so much. Have you had your beer with Bush yet?

KINGWOMan- Obama absolutely loves to talk in his speeches about the wrongdoing of others. And you honestly think he would shrug off a comment about his wife "pimping" someone out? People like you think that Hillary should just bite the dust, while Obama gets to whine and distorte her comments that regard black leaders. Liberals tolerate sexism, but hate racism. I just dont get it.

MSNBC has taken a page from Fox's "fair and balanced" playbook. The only one with a modicum of integrity left is Dan Abrams, and he is sometimes questionable. Hilary does not have to wait for the Republican smear; you guys have already done it. I will get all my news from Katie Couric from now on. I do not need to watch a bunch of immature little boys who are threatened by an intelligent woman. And what has BO really said? Sounds like a sermon in any black church in America every Sunday morning.

Whats wrong with Hillary capitolizing off of Shuster's stupidity? Obama did it by distorting Hillary's remarks about MLK...Yet its always Hillary's fault. Its alwyas Bill's fault. and in this case, its always Chelsie's fault. She is a grown woman and has the ultimate right to tell her parents that she doesnt want to participate in the campaign. If Obama's daughter were older don't you think he would have her on a soapbox while campaigning for him too?

Its sad to here that Obama supporters who are allegedly "educated" come on here ranting that a well repected politician is pimping out her daughter. Your worst than the republicans.

I forsee Obama winning the nomination and Daddy Mac and the right wing elephants trampling ALL OVER HIM. Straight to the white house! And if Obama does win the nomination, I will definitely vote McCain before he tears us to shreds!!!!!

While I agree MSNBC has been home to many misogynists, it has been bi-partisan. Joe Scarborough made an even worse sexist crack about Fred Thompson's wife "working the pole", if I remember correctly. And I believe Thompson accepted the apology and dropped it. But for Hillary Clinton to go the Lynne Cheney route of righteous indignation is a bit much. After all,her husband has certainly been an equal opportunity offender, as has she, when attacking the myriad women Bill's had "issues" with as well. I suspect had the insult been directed at Michelle Obama, she would have dealt with it herself---swiftly and strongly. I doubt she would need her husband or a surrogate to do so on her behalf. But I also believe she would accept the apology and move on. What any adult should do and what Bill Clinton expected after he apologized for lying about his own misogynicism. If the Clintons insist on pursuing this situation further, they only invite more of the same on themselves for any future indiscretions on their part. Do we really want that?

Media bias once again

This morning on his show Mr. Mathews has – in my opinion – shown his incredible bias towards Mr. Obama and his campaign.

Both CBS & ABC morning shows got it just about right. They treated all four candidates with equal praise and real assessment. My compliments to the news groups of the ABC and CBS networks for their superb effort on behalf of supplying the consumer with a correct analysis of the campaign facts. Both of these news organizations have shown themselves to be news organizations this morning.

Mr. Russert’s comments on Mr. Shuster – were lacking. CNN & NBC have opened themselves to questioning – in my opinion.

Shuster's comment was not sexist? Does anyone use the term "pimped out" to refer to a man? Not in my experience. Consider this: If Chelsea was instead, their son Charles, would anyone be critical of anything that Chelsea is doing or has done for her parents? It's really sad how deeply, unconsciously embedded misogyny is in our psyches. Did anyone criticize Mitt or his sons for their participation in his campaign? What about Obama's family? The basis of the criticism is ridiculous...it has no foundation and is therefore a poor critique. THAT is why Shuster should be terminated.

OH COME ON!!!

There is NO WAY this is a sexist comment. David has done more then his fair share of reporting on ALL of the candidates and he points fingers where they need to be pointed!!! Was it a good word to use? Maybe not, but I personally think the work PIMPED doesn't mean what it used to. Isn't there a show called PIMP MY RIDE? So does that mean they're turning these cars into prostitutes? I DON'T THINK SO!!! If you listen to what Shuster has to say on a consistent basis you may find that he's a decent guy who's been working his tail off...going from Illinois to New Hampshire to Florida to anywhere he's been asked. I find it hard to believe that Chelsea was so deeply effected by the usage in the first place.

First of all, why does anyone watch MSNBC (DOES anyone watch MSNBC)? For its trenchant political analysis? No. For the measured way in which its on-air personalities approach, discuss and debate the issues of our day? No. Because the viewer actually will be more informed after watching instead of less? No. You'd have to conclude that MSNBC viewers, few though they may be, prefer turgid, ego-driven, ill-informed, hate-laced bombast.

Second, except for when the Clinton's are shielding their daughter from the harsh glare of the environment they themselves chose for her, they DO pimp her out. Remember that scene of the resolute First Daughter bridging her parents' divide as she walked with them hand-in-hand-in-hand towards Marine One following Bill's confessional? Chelsea star-turning stagecraft? You bet.

Third, Chelsea Clinton is no kid anymore, but a grownup woman who moves in the connected worlds of big money and big politics. The occasional media hit is part of the game and it's time for her to handle such hits on her own (or get out of the game).

And forth, I'm tired of seeing people getting suspended, fired, whatever for being un-PC. Have they sent Shuster to diversity training or for psychological "counseling" yet? As always, it's the employer's decision. But NBC looks ridiculous (and like a Clinton toady) for allowing such a fuss about Shuster's comparatively mild remark considering the crap they choose to ignore on a daily basis. Keith Olbermann alone shows MSNBC for the hate-churning wholly repugnant rhetorical machine it is and HE doesn't get suspended. Perhaps it's because he doesn't usually turn his sights and guns on Hillaryland. Tiresome. So very tiresome.

Galvanize female voters? Give me a break. THAT is offensive. Hillary is finally putting her foot down saying, alright, alright enough is ENOUGH. She's standing up for the sexism that women have to deal with constantly - Hillary more than others. This is not a political move. She's standing up for each and every one of us women who deal with sexism daily. UNITE behind HILLARY, people. She is the candidate.

Just look at what Hillary has had to put up with in her campaign - and look at Obama. Do you want a candidate that just sails on through his political career unscathed? Or do you want a candidate who's walked through fire and persevered every single time. We NEED Hillary to be our President.

There has been a dearth of decent journalism at MSNBC for a few years now. Obermouth and mmmMathews are flat out ideologues in journalist clothing. Neither have had an unbiased thought since Bush was elected. Now they envision Hillary as the neo-con heiress apparent and the gloves have come off against her. Cute how they sacrificed their coffee boy Shuster for this latest outrage.

Well, the fela only asked a question. All CC needs to say , "Hey, I am only making calls - it's irrelevant whether I am male or female".

That's all she needed to say and everyone would consider her cridble and mature.

Now, this level of sensitivity makes us wonder how prepared Hillary is in handling national affairs.

The MSNBC is not going to vote. It's the people. The more she makes a fussy out of it - the more it sticks.

The comment suggests that in making her calls - she probably created an impression to guys by vertue of her being female.

That's the question she only needed to answer and she would somewhat become a political force to recogn with.

Now she sounds like a kid being sent out by the parents - that the parent make a big fussy out of it.

I have not read all these posts, but it seems to me that no one has pointed out that the Obama campaign is busy courting these superdelegates also. I would be mighty surprised if they were not. Is this not another example of Clinton standards v. standards for everybody else?

I'm completely disgusted with MSNBC lately. They are so unabashedly biased towards Obama. I wish that they would have the nerve to come out and say it instead of trying to appear objective. It's insulting. As far as Shuster is concerned, he's a dud anyway. Who even watches or listens to him? To say that Chelsea is being "pimped out" because she is helping with her mother's campaign is utterly ridiculous. If one of my parents were running for office you can be sure that I'd be helping every chance I got. All of the other candidates' families are helping them. It's yet another example of how misogynistic our culture still is. Anyone who says that they "just don't like Hillary" should ask themselves if they would feel that way if she were a man. Even Shuster's comment about her being "pimped out" is misogynistic. He SHOULD be fired...not because of this particular comment, but because he's an uninteresting bore/boar.

It's pretty clear to me... MSNBC needs to lay off attacking the children of politicians. That's the bigger issue that Hillary's talking about, not the firing on one dumb commentator. You can attack Hillary, you can attack Bill, but lay off Chelsea, or any of the other children of any other politician. And if you must attack someone, lay off derogatory sexist comments.

No racist politics, no sexist politics. Race politics backfired on the Clintons, and now sexist reporting is backfiring on MSNBC. And that's how it should be.

Now do your cry thing Billary.

Thank god for karma

I dont think we have ever had a president who went door to door while in office. So not wanting to debate in lue of direct contact with voters is scary to me. You see, they dont let them do that once they get to the White House. Then what?

So your Karma will be that your family will need to be pimped out when the economy goes in the crapper once McCain wins and attacks Iraq because, sad as it is, this country is too backwards to elect a black man, no matter how qualified he is. That whole Terri Schiavo mess was not too long ago - thing about the collective mentality of this country then - not much has changed, or that over 79% supported going to war with Iraq

Media bias once again

This morning on his show Mr. Mathews has – in my opinion – shown his incredible bias towards Mr. Obama and his campaign.

Both CBS & ABC morning shows got it just about right. They treated all four candidates with equal praise and real assessment. My compliments to the news groups of the ABC and CBS networks for their superb effort on behalf of supplying the consumer with a correct analysis of the campaign facts. Both of these news organizations have shown themselves to be news organizations this morning.

Mr. Russert’s comments on Mr. Shuster – were lacking. CNN & NBC have opened themselves to questioning – in my opinion.

"Of course, others might think she is capitalizing on an ugly moment to galvanize female voters."
------------------------
Yeah, right! Like when Obama capitalized on the COMPLETELY out-of-context Clinton "fairy tale" comment to galvanize African American voters.

This entire story is a result of a couple of things. 1) The media's increasing desire to be hip and appeal to young people. If you converge entertainment and journalism, sooner or later you are going to have things like this happen.

And 2) It shows how out of touch Clinton is with her own daughters generation. "Big Pimpin in NYC," "Pimp my ride," "It's hard out here on a pimp," Kids use the word Pimp in completely non-offensive contexts all the time.

It was a foolish attempt by Schuster to appear cool. But nothing to get all worked up over. She is only trying to fire up her base and get them angry.

That said, it is probably fair that Schuster was suspended. Can you imagine what would have happened if he used this term to describe Michelle Obama on the campaign for her husband?

David Shuster made an incredibly stupid comment but didn't mean it literally so the outrage looks out of proportion imo. It's like the way Bill's comments about the "fairy tale" were taken even though it was really just a stupid thing to say and not intended to be racist. Hillary is using this to help with women voters but doubt it will get any she didn't already have.

I've been watching David Shuster for a long time and he is outspoken but towards everyone and not just Hillary. I'm glad to see she's backing off from what seemed to be the intent of her letter to get him fired. I really don't care if she does the debate but think it would appear petty.

If I remember correctly, Hillary's letter of complaint stated that a temporary suspension or half-hearted apology wasn't sufficient. This wasn't 'And'; this was 'Or'. Presumably a full-hearted apology would be sufficient.

BTW will Romney's kids now enlist and go to Iraq?

Brilliant that a commentator can use a sexist expression when a neutral one will do, and then everybody will defend him by bringing up old Bill scandals (real and invented), the "daughter's old enough to smear so why not" defense, and "Hillary is just trying to distract attention".

This is why MSNBC tried its half-hearted apology already, and why Hillary had to come back and ask not for another apology, but a real change of course. Matthews of course never really accepted his apology either. Media Matters has more:

Shuster wasn't just complaining about Chelsea lobbying superdelegates - he had a problem with her lobbying celebrities as well, and of course not talking to MSNBC. Of course Chris Matthews kept wondering when Hillary would come on his show - maybe when they clean up their mouths and their act.

Clinton never requested Shuster be fired. Why do these reporters act like she did? She never said fire or replaced or terminated in her letter to Capus. I think she was hinting that he ought to address the overt-covert sexism that goes on day after day and night after night on MSNBC from Morning Joe to the worst offender of all, Chris Matthews, Shuster's hero. He took a stand against Matthews' forced apology after Spit Muchews dribbled out his true feelings about HRC. Olberman has a bigger man crush on Obama than he does on Bob Costas. That is another story for another day. Hillary is hoping this letter lets Capus know that a change in the tone towards her is more appropriate than a suspension of a hack reporter on Hardball. She hopes the residual effect is less on air rooting for and hero worship of her opponent.

Did Mitt Romney 'pimp out' his sons? Is McCain 'pimping out' his daughter?

It is typical for Hillary Clinton to get the dirty, ugly side of politics thrown at her while ANY other candidate gets treated within the bounds of conventional debate.

The fact that Chelsea get the dirtiest hits says a lot for some men's upbringing. From Rush's 'dog in the White House' insult to McCain's 'Janet Reno is her father' slur to MSNBC's Shuster's ghetto humor disaster....Chelsea Clinton has taken the hits aimed at her mother.

Cowards.

Recent survey on media bias:

OBAMA 81% positive coverage

Clinton 51% positive coverage

MSNBC & CNN were the worst in the group – as I understand

Fairness - these days watch ABC News or FOX

Listen, Chelsea is almost 30 years old. Grown women who get involved in the political process should expect some low blows, and need to roll with the punches without Mummy to the Rescue!

Camp Clinton is making a mountain out of a molehill for political gain

First: Here in Germany a reporter like Mr. Schuster from MSNBC with a rude comment most likely would have been thrown out. With his comment he helped the Clintons quite much, as many would probably think "I help this poor little girl".

BUT (second): Chelsea Clinton is not a little child anymore.

At Feb. 8 there was a detailed report in the biggest and highly respected german newspaper "Sueddeutsche Zeitung" about the work of Chelsea Clinton (second page of the business section).

After studying in Stanford and Oxford she was employed at McKinsey in New York. She earned right at the beginning several hundred thousand Dollar per year. At the end of 2006 she changed to the HEDGE FUNDS "Avenue Capital" at Wall Street where she is CURRENTLY EMPLOYED. Her annual salery is estimated several hundred thousand Dollar.

Here in Germany someone like Chelsea Clinton is considered as a true lobbyist. Very interesting for germans, maybe also for US citizens and not commonly known.

Here in germany many of these hedge funds are responsible for the unnecassary asset stripping of many companies and the loss of thousands of jobs.

For those who don´t believe google "Chelsea Clinton Avenue".

Frank if you read the comments here or a newspaper you would know that Obama has stcuk up for Hillary and condemed the coments that were made as have a lot of Obama supporters here! I like and respect Obama.. That doesnt mean i hate Hillary...

When is Hillary going to say sorry for this war ?

How many times has the Fox Network been discounted as a source of journalistic opinion because they openly admit their bias to the right? I switch channels a lot to see how differently the same stories are reported. MSNBC is just as blatantly biased to their favored support of Obama over Clinton, within their overall leftist bias. At least Fox is honest enough to not even pretend to be objective.

I'm very tired of shallow people who mainly decide their votes based on rah-rah slogans and celebrity endorsements instead of demonstrated results in making change and substantive plans for the future. I took the recent Shuster comments against Chelsea to be another MSNBC image smear against Clinton in an attempt to slant favor towards Obama. I would have been very disappointed in Clinton if she had NOT retorted as she did....And, NO, she did not ask for Shuster's job, nor was she out of line in her response. Her comment that Shuster's apology was not enough refers to her point that, overall, the network needs to clean up their act.

I consider both MSNBC and Fox as equally lacking in credibility. I am also sitting back in PA waiting my turn to vote for Clinton.

Recent survey on media bias:

OBAMA 81% positive coverage

Clinton 51% positive coverage

MSNBC & CNN were the worst in the group – as I understand

Fairness - these days watch ABC News or FOX

Many here are acting like spoiled children. Sen. Clinton’s daughter was disparaged. Is there ever a good reason for such a dastardly deed?

Sen. Obama’s supporters are acting like spoiled little children. For a little moment in time their candidate is not allowed to walk on water. What do they do? They disparage and belittle themselves. They claim that Ms. Clinton was not wronged. What would have been made of a ridiculing remark made at the cost of Mrs. Obama or one of the Ms. Obamas’?

If Sen. Obama were true gentlemen – he would offer solace to Ms. Clinton.

Schuster did NOT call Chelsea a "prostitute" ! He used to word/VERB, "pimping"...it's a VERB denoting the Clinton's ACTIONS, not their Daughters! Please, at LEAST, keep it real.

MSNBC fired Don Imus for calling those basketball players prostitutes. So why should David Shuster get special treatment for calling the daughter of a former President and current Presidential Candidate a prostitute?

i'm with RDK WORD FOR WORD. couldn't have said it better myself.

and as far as all the accusations of sexism and misogyny re: Matthews, Russert, MSNBC...everyone has the right to their opinion. i've been watching these guys for years, am a fiercely independent woman and have no problem with their programs, comments. i have no problem with men. we're in an age where politically correct has become absurd across the board. and with everything on broadcast TV all day long which is totally outrageous, why these non-issues are brought up is beyond me.

perhaps in lieu of finding anything defensible about Hillary & clan, her supporters scramble to take every little thing and make a mountain out of a molehill. it was an accurate statement, whether the word is one you would've used or not. and, women use far more controversial language than men do.

anyway, more manipulations by the campaign whose only asset is how manulative and greedy they really are. they don't give a hoot about the american people. for them, it's a power. but then, so many of us see this.

You're being used by the Clintons. They ARE pimping out Chelsea. All Shuster did was say so in language that Obama supporters would understand. Did I say that? How incredibly un-PC of me.

The debasement of discourse by newsmen on the airwaves is appalling. Far from setting an example for the public, they are indulging in breezy banter more suited to MTV.

The decline of a civilization is well under way when people will indulge trash talk in the guise of political expediency.

Enough of the Clinton Soap Opera and trying to muzzle the media. It's sickening...If she's elected, Tylenol sales will soar! Boy, she sure can fight them Republicans! Is THAT what America needs?