GOP 08’ers McCain, Giuliani and Huckabee Supported Don Imus—After His Racist Remarks
Posted by Stephanie Taylor on April 11, 2007 at 06:33 PM
So Imus is out. But don’t forget that before it happened, no less than three leading Republican presidential candidates made statements in support of him, even in the wake of his suspension for racist remarks.
On the April 4 edition of MSNBC’s “Imus in the Morning,” host Don Imus referred to the Rutgers University women’s basketball team as “nappy-headed hos,” shortly after the show’s executive producer, Bernard McGuirk, called the team “hard-core hos.” The team is made up of eight African-American and two white players.
You would think that this one is a no-brainer. The comments were disgusting, hurtful, degrading and hateful. But no less than three leading Republican presidential candidates seemed to think otherwise.
In an article in the New York Daily News today, titled “Rudy, McCain say they forgive and support,” Giuliani was quoted as saying that he would appear again on Imus show [italics mine]:
“I take Don at his word that he understands the gravity of what he said. He seems sincerely sorry about it and seems like someone who will endeavor not to do that again and I take him at his word."
Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) had similar words for Imus:
" "He has apologized. He said that he is deeply sorry. I'm a great believer in redemption. Whether he needs to do more in order to satisfy the concerns of people like the members of that team, that's something that's between him and them. But I have made many mistakes in my life ... and I have apologized, and most people have accepted that apology."
From the conservative CBN News Brody File, Mike Huckabee’s statement:
“Yes I'd go on the show again. Imus said something really insensitive, he admitted it and apologized. He's continued to have me on his show when I said stupid things. I consider him a friend and don't abandon my friends even when they do something wrong. What Imus said was wrong, but he seems genuinely sorry. He's certainly not the first to put his foot in his mouth - and he won't be the last.”
Apparently it’s fine to say offensive and derogatory things, so long as you tack an “I’m sorry” on the end. Working on such a slippery ethical slide, what other kinds of behavior will McCain, Giuliani and Huckabee excuse from the people they call “friends?”
Comments (8) «
I think it is about time the Democrats "Circle their wagons" and "JUST SAY NO" To this Paranoid Bastard President. He destroyed his sister, now he wants to Destroy the Democrat party. In fact he has destroyed, everything he has touched!
The Bush Regime and the radical right republicans will do anything to Rule America again in 2009. This last extenion of troups 15 months is just a political ploy so the Bush regime can stay in the limelight up through August of 2008. How much more BLOOD do the Republicans want on their hands. One third of the GI's coming back from IRAQ, are "SHELL-SHOCK" how many more will be after this next Extension?
The Democrat party must realize the war is not in Iraq, it is right here, and the enemy is George W. Bush. He declared it against the Democrat Party, now we have to stand our ground, and take away there ground in 2008. His power must be destroyed, and the way to do this is shut off the money, and go into gridlock.
The American People spoke with their votes, by throwing out the Republicans out of Congress, because they want this War to end NOW! If we don't do it the Fascist Pig Republicans will be calling the 110 Congress "THE DO NOTHING CONGRESS" Like Truman called the Republicans in 1948. Every Democrat and American should just say NOOOOOOOOO! TO BUSH!
The comments made by the women who were slandered apparently didn't compute with these Republicans. But then they think Rush Limbaugh and Ann Coulter are insightful.
The nation is done with this. We are sick of the GOP's version of compassionate hypocrisy.
We are through with all these cruel jokes and games at the expense of the dignity of others. We demand an equal opportunity to the American dream and the civil liberties spelled out in our Bill of Rights. There is no such thing as political correctness when it comes to a young woman's hopes and aspirations.
And no one is better than anyone else in this life or the next...I don't care how holy, patriotic, or rich they are.
Sandy, I am hoping this is an moment in time, towards ALL hate media. It is time for Limbaugh, Hannity, Drudge, Coulter, Malkin etc, to all be forced to clean up their racist, filthy acts or to be driven off the airwaives!
Well, I don't think racism is the issue. Imus' comments weren't motivated by his dislike of a person or persons because of their race. Rather, his comments were defamatory and designed to denigrate and intimidate anyone who might disagree with him. It's a cheap ploy to forge consensus at someone else's expense and that's why he should be made to pay dearly.
Ridiculing someone's physical attributes is particularly hurtful because the victim has no defense or response. Unlike when someone's behavior is challenged, if the challenge is valid, the behavior can be changed.
For example: Imus could take those silly hats he wears indoors off.
"Imus' comments weren't motivated by his dislike of a person or persons because of their race."
No, Imus' motivations for the comments is the fact that he can earn big money by pandering to the worst in this society, and creating divisions among Americans that will benefit the oligarchs who hire him.
In then scale of things that's about 5 miles below whale shit.
Cephas:
What do you mean, "He who is without this sin cast the first stone"?
Don Imus said a terrible and totally uncalled for remark about decent and brave young women, who are good role models for other young women. To call them "nappy-headed hos" is totally unacceptable, and I'm glad that people are talking about it and taking Mr. Imus to task!
For my money the worst things Don Imus ever said came in the form of his relentless hate campaign against Al Gore in 2000. At the height of his popularity then, and being carried of several stations in Florida, one could argue that Don Imus is partly responsible for Bush being our president since he must have changed at least 300 minds in that state with his constant, vicious attacks on VP Gore.
Good riddance, Mr. Wrinkles.
I really don't see a problem with the Imus situation. He was already removed from the air and I'm with the republican's on this one - I think an accepted apology changes the situation. People are allowed to screw up.
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