Conservative radio host Glenn Beck told CNN host Don Lemon Wednesday night that he disapproved of him using a racial slur on TV.
A discussion about the Confederate flag turned into a debate about the word after President Barack Obama used it during a conversation about racism in America.
"We are not cured of it," Obama told comedian Marc Maron on an episode of Maron's "WTF" podcast. "And it's not just a matter of it not being polite to say 'nigger' in public. That's not the measure of whether racism still exists or not. It's not just a matter of overt discrimination."
Obama's comment prompted Lemon to hold up a sign with the words on it during his show Monday night, asking viewers, "Does this offend you?"
Lemon asked Beck for his opinion on the word. Beck reiterated several times that he does not use it, nor does he approve of anyone -- regardless of race -- who uses it claiming, "I don't associate with people who use that word."
"I don’t think anyone should use it," Beck told Lemon on "CNN Tonight." "I don’t think you should use it."
The radio and talk show host added that he was certain that if he used the word like Lemon did, he would lose his job.
"You just used it as a journalist in context," Beck said. "If I used it, I can guarantee you that tomorrow or tonight would be the last time I would be seen on broadcast television."