Is the scandal over David Shuster's "pimping out" a matter of MSNBC-wide misogyny? Or a problem with the network's use of pundits to host hard news coverage, and the use of supposedly unbiased reporters to host opinion programs?
Shuster's suspension comes after the network was playing defense against criticism for Chris Matthews' regular Hillary Clinton swipes, including the most egregious one, among other infractions: Concluding the only "reason she may be a front-runner is her husband messed around." (Amusing, then, that Matthews is filling in tonight as MC for the Washington Press Club Foundation's dinner, thrown by an organization originally founded, in part, because the National Press Club wouldn't allow women to join.)
But Shuster didn't make the remark while reporting from the White House, or the campaign trial. He uttered the now-infamous phrase while filling in for Tucker Carlson on Tucker, a show whose DNA includes throwing around thought bubbles. Shuster, though, is usually seen on-air in a correspondent role, giving Brian Williams or Chris Jansing the latest election campaign details. His role hasn't been to voice his own ideas — which a reporter isn't being paid to do.
Then we have folks like Matthews and Keith Olbermann, the network's stars, who are asked to moderate debates or host the coverage afterward. While it could be argued pundits have a role in the post-debate analysis, it's silly to think a network can present viewers an honest recap when the people running the discussion sit at the table with known political persuasions. And it's ridiculous to think a network can host a fair debate when the people doing the asking are also pundits, armed with loaded questions.
It's here that folks like Tim Cuprisin argue is the real problem at MSNBC: Certain talent are being asked to perform roles they shouldn't be involved in. If Shuster stuck to his hard news routine, there never would've been the opportunity for him to slip in the notion that the Clinton campaign was whoring out Chelsea. Not that we'll excuse it (though we kinda gave the incident a pass already), but if MSNBC followed standard journalistic policies, it wouldn't be in this situation.
[Photo]
Editorial Director
The REAL problem here is so called news broadcasters or "journalists" boldly and blatently showing their bias toward one candidate or another, like Chris "Tweety Bird" Matthews, for example. When we clean up Washington, I hope we manage to clean up the airwaves of the residual debris like Matthews and his ilk. I think David Schuster was always a professional and this serious misstep was a tragedy. Who in their right mind would use this terminology about the innocent daughter of a presidential candidate who is only trying to help her mother fulfill her life long ambition? Romney's children spoke for him McCain's daughter spoke for him. The only children who didn't speak in favor their father were those of Rudy Guiliani and that's because they can't stand him. In fact I think they were campaigning for a Democratic candidate. Whatever. Leave the sons and daughters alone and especially don't be vile when referring to these well meaning and innocent young people. They deserve respect regardless of who their parents are.
Who would want to run for office with this group of vile bastards spouting off whatever they feel like saying??????
I watched the debate on ABC last night…..I have to say the Moderators were pathetic, LET THE PEOPLE ASK THE QUESTIONS since the Networks haven't a clue. Asking Obama about a person he knew when he was 8 years old………shame they didn't vet Bush this way….I am tired of the press, the media, the whole works, THEY are now trying to shove this fart McCain down our throats, HERO, read what the other Viet Vets have to say about this. He is MILITARY…..knows nothing but Military, HE CAN'T RUN THIS COUNTRY…HE had to marry Rich so he could have a life he didn't deserve, read how that came about as he played around on his crippled wife…He went out looking for the money that could put him where he wanted to be……a male golddigger…how they hate that in women…there are easily as many men doing the same thing….then he played around while on the campaign (probably many other times as well)…I am sure we don't want him as President, haven't we had enough of this Republican crap???? All they say is……we want all your money, and we intend to take it. We will have the rich, and the rest of you will be slaves….without a home….. Predatory Lenders…that describes the Republican Party!!!!