Thursday, April 17, 2008

Clinton, Obama and the P-word

Don Imus is hopelessly sexist. And, hey. Misogyny isn't just for women anymore. The uncouth, ever-offensive Imus aims his seething piehole to spit at Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama with one sexist shot:

During the April 17 edition of Imus in the Morning, host Don Imus asserted that Sen. Barack Obama is "almost a bigger pussy than" Sen. Hillary Clinton. While discussing the April 16 Democratic debate, Imus said he thought that co-moderator George Stephanopoulos was "great" and that the debate was "fine," adding: "I thought Senator Obama was on the defensive most of the night. But they're both sissy boys or sissy girls, or whatever. Because they talk big when they're out on the campaign trail, wolfing on each other." News anchor Charles McCord interjected, "But then," and Imus continued: "And then when they show up at the debate, they fold up like a couple of cheap lawn chairs. I mean, I don't understand that. And he's almost a bigger pussy than she is."

As Media Matters for America noted, on the March 7 edition of Imus in the Morning, Imus asserted that Clinton won her campaign for a U.S. Senate seat due to "a sympathy vote," adding, "She came here, everybody felt sorry for her 'cause her fat ..." At that point, guest and Fox News host Alan Colmes interjected, asking, "[W]hy did she get re-elected?" Imus continued: " 'Cause her fat, stupid husband was getting BJs from the poor little intern there in the Oval Office."

Despite his being fired by MSNBC and CBS in April 2007 -- his show is now syndicated by ABC Radio Networks and simulcast on RFD-TV -- Imus continues to attract prominent guests. From April 1 to April 17, Imus hosted Sen. John McCain, NBC Washington bureau chief Tim Russert, CBS anchor Bob Schieffer, Washington Post media critic and host of CNN's Reliable Sources Howard Kurtz, New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman, and Congressional Quarterly columnist Craig Crawford. [Emphasis added.]

The morally bankrupt media continues to deem the blatantly sexist and reprobate behavior of Imus as acceptable in the marketplace of ideas. Look at who's still patronizing this unrepentant sexist dinosaur: a presidential candidate and leading media personalities. What's their excuse? Gotta email, express my disapproval, and ask what are their reasons for appearing on Don Imus' show. I want to know. What are they up to?

It's bad enough to hear the B-word thrown around as if it's a normal term for people to use--and it's not--but the P-word rates up there with the ugly group of demeaning epithets that dare not be spoken aloud, not in civilized circles or in the public arena. In Imus' cesspool of imagination, it's OK to use the P-word. In fact, it's fun, completely spot on. Never does he think of the denigration of femininity inherent in the P-word or its power crudely hewn to dismiss and devalue men and women.

Don't you wonder what advertisers are sponsoring Imus? I do 'cause I will cease to buy or recommend whatever service or product they offer in my sphere of influence.

I may be a Hillary supporter, but it is not ever OK to use misogyny against anyone. Ever.

The contacts to complain via Media Matters:

ABC Radio Networks
customerservice@abc.com
ABC Radio Networks

When contacting the media, please be polite and professional. Express your specific concerns regarding that particular news report or commentary, and be sure to indicate exactly what you would like the media outlet to do differently in the future.

While I'm thinking 'bout it, send Media Matters some love. They provide an incredible service keeping the media in their sights and holding them accountable. God(dess) love 'em for the heavy-lifting they do regularly.

NOTE: You can watch it on video at the link.