Holy Sh*ster! Live TV and Mouthy Egos Make an Iffy Couple

Between the Super Bowl and Super Tuesday, it has been a humdinger of a week for TV news. For those of us who follow both football and politics, it has been gut-wrenching in either fantastic or heartbreaking ways. But in this whirligig of a political climate in the era of live and up-to-the-millisecond coverage, it should only be expected that someone should screw up.

MSNBC's David Shuster screwed up. Despite the praise laid upon Chelsea Clinton by Shuster right before he called her a prostitute for her mother's presidential campaign, this was a sloppy, irresponsible move. He knows it, and he has apologized, but he deserved to be suspended by MSNBC - though not fired. I have a complicated relationship with MSNBC as a female viewer. While I think my favorite cable news channel really is THE place for politics, I hate that women are under-represented in prime time, but I really cringe when my trusted and beloved anchors say stupid, chauvinistic things. Not because I expect these men to be angels, but because for the majority of the time, they are simply better than this.

While Shuster really got his start digging into the Clinton White House for Fox News Channel, the David Shuster that I know and love relentlessly dug into the Bush White House, especially during the CIA leak case. This was when I became a fan.

But lately, as Shuster has been allowed more screen time, it is more than a little apparent that he could be gunning for his own show. If that's the case, he may have had support - at least until now. This Clinton gaffe is just bush league (pun intended). It's the stuff of Shuster's former employer and the people for which they shill, the people (among them a current presidential candidate) who made their living in the 1990s bullying an awkward teenage girl. I said before that I don't expect my anchors to be angels. But I do expect them to be responsible journalists while on the air. Right-wing blowhards barely qualify as broadcasters, let alone journalists, reporters or anchors. But MSNBC, David Shuster and every other on-air personality are better off above this fray. Mistakes of fact are one thing; they can be corrected. But when it comes to seedy invective as used by Shuster and others, remember that you're a journalist! When you're off the air and goofing around the office or the pub after work, say whatever you please. But when you're on the air, and people are looking to you for sound political analysis from every angle, remember how many people want to trust you.

Be like my team - the Giants. There were a lot of times, especially during the fourth quarter, that we could have screwed up and given the Patriots the "told you so" victory they wanted so badly. Instead, the Giants focused, and brought their A-game in the tensest, craziest moments that mattered the most. Could we have let our guard down in the last 2:30 on the clock? Sure. Could Eli have been sacked, preventing that purely magical pass to David Tyree? Yes. Could Tyree have dropped that ball, giving it back to the Pats and denying Plaxico Burress our winning touchdown with just about 30 seconds left? Yes. Could our defense have been inches away from preventing two Patriots touchdowns in the last seconds of the most watched Super Bowl EVER? Yes. But it didn't happen. The underdogs, who emerged as serious contenders, became champions.

MSNBC is still the underdog in the ratings, even though it shows more and more potential. This political season is the last 2:30 of your fourth quarter. Except when it's over and you announce our new president in November, you won't be done. You'll simply be better - but only if you keep the dirty plays and the verbal diarrhea in the locker room and off the field.

Comments

[escapement]

Did any of you ever get a traffic ticket? Should we take away your license if you have?

Have you ever gotten drunk.... Should we call you an alcoholic if you ever did?

Did you ever make a mistake at work? Did you think you should have been fired?

Shuster made a mistake... he does live tv and used a loaded word... People are judging him on one slip up. It's very sad. Such narrow minded people here... I'd expect that from Fox news devotees but not on a liberal bastion like this. I guess the hard left is just as ossified in their orthodoxy and unforgiving as the hard right... how very sad..

[ESerafina42]

If he had used the word "pimp" about Obama he would have been branded a racist and never would have worked in broadcasting again. Suspension is reasonable.

[TruthLives]

I believe the shows on MSNBC, and let there be no doubt about it, they are shows, should have a constant crawl at the bottom of the screen, that they are only offering opinion and have no real news value as to factual news or events.

[BillieJohn]

I'll take Schuster over Tucker Carlson any day. Granted, his remark was really tacky, but Tucker is unwatchable most days. I can't figure out what force of nature keeps him in the lineup.

Let Schuster have his time slot!

[LittleChickMotel]

David Shuster strikes me as the most honest, hard-working investigative reporter on MSNBC. (His talents are admittedly NOT suited for hosting a talk show like Tucker) Just once he made a dumb mistake, while trying to be hip. And though he has apologized, the news media wants his head.

Contrast this with people like Ann Coulter, who gleefully libel and slander innocent people with extreme malice and forethought (9-11 widows, Max Cleland) and NEVER apologize. And they're in CONSTANT demand as guests on every news network. The exposure drives up sales of their latest book, and they make millions!

It's always the most harmless guys that get scapegoated when they make a mistake. Never the Ann Coulters, because everyone's scared to death of her. It's an ugly and cowardly tradition in our society to make an example of the more benign offenders, and almost never the malevolent ones who deserve it.

In short, Mr. Shuster doesn't deserve to be the Sin Eater for an industry that's lost its manners. It's time to forgive and move on.

Please pass the Excedrin.

[boinx]

i know up front Mr. Ann Coulter is a professional idiot. up until now, i was trusting Mr. Shuster to be a professional journalist. thats the contrast for me.

[hlhicks]

Same story, different decade. Those poor, poor victimized Clintons', a journalist refuses to kiss the ring and he must be destroyed. The news media does not answer to the Clintons and if she refuses to do another debate on MSNBC, then so be it. If this had been Bush instead of the Clintons, people on this board would have gone apesh*t. It is not a sign of toughness to shut down reporters and it is frankly un-American. Amazing how we are all willing to dent the Constitution when it's convenient. Olbermann goes on and on about the suspension of habeas corpus, but he should have spoken up about free speech and a free press. Also interesting how no one paid attention to the point of his remark. He has the right to question why she is making calls to the hosts of The View and to super delegates, but she is unable or unwilling to answer unscripted questions from real journalists. I guess we only want accountability and transparency when we're talking about the Republicans, not the Clinton machine.

[SShaw490]

All true, but it seems like it's not working so well this time. Here it is only one news cycle later and people are going, "It's just the Clintons whining again, nothing to see here folks, move on..."

It's a shame when such a well-oiled machine as the Clinton spin-o-matic needs replacement.

[larry278]

Schuster can go back to being a talking head for Faux Noise to take the place of Bile O'Really or too often Seen Handhearty & Schmendrick Combs. Schuster will be the cure for what ails Roger Ailes after Wolf man & CNN beat Faux Noise & their talking heads in the audience ratings on Super Tue night. His Rupertship will direct Mr Ailes to find a suitable sinecure for his old loud mouthed, feces for brains sychophant, Mr Schuster, to take the sting out of Mr Schuster's well earned suspension by MSNBC. Sometimes time wounds all heels. Ask his Rupertship's man, Mr Ailes.

[Lolalabloggera]

It's a fact that MSNBC Frat Boy Brigade spews sexist, msogynist drivel 24/7. Go to Mediamatters.com and see the list of actual on-air quotes. This is solid evidence.
Their hate for the Clintos oozes out from every report on Hillary's campaign.
It's really disgusting.

[OSUMercutio]

The pile-on continues...

Six articles so far about Chelsea-gate. Or seven?

[trailrunner9]

There is more to this than a first time little slip up. This just happened to be the last straw before people had enough.

http://mediamatters.org/items/200802080011?f=h_top

[desmirl]

In watching Keith Olbermann apologize for Shuster's intemperate and idiotic remark, I could only feel sorry for Olbermann as he tried to suppress the rage he must feel for someone who would do something so utterly, indefensibly stupid. To suggest that anyone - family or friend - who campaigns for a candidate is being 'pimped'... Shuster needs a long, long suspension, and then a move to covering the local news in Kodiak, Alaska for ten years.

[GreggNC]

Oh please, Shuster is an Olby wannabee. Olby says worse everyday about folks on the right. Olby is responsible, Shuster is his MiniMe. Did all of you Shuster defenders defend Imus, also on MSNBC, who targeted no specific person with a far more harmless remark, on a morning drive comedy show?

[vsign]

Remember how Obama was involved in Imus getting fired? His interview with David Gregory when he said he'd never go on Imus program again. We should have realized then that Obama did not want a level playing field. He didn't want to be interviewed by Imus. And he pandered to the AA community and Al Sharpton so much I began questioning his judgement. He wasn't even a good politician. He has been getting affirmative action from the media. He should be made to stand on his own feet and not make us carry him.

[Desiderata]

From what I gather, MSNBC has been working it's second tier reporters and part-time anchors around the clock to capture every moment of these primaries. Lack of sleep can cause anyone to say something dumb.

So, in his fatique, Shuster forgot he no longer worked for FOX (the slip would have gone without an apology there)but MSNBC. An apology in order. The suspension unwarranted under the circumstances.

Chelsea Clinton was put out there by her parents and, in the public eye, free game. It is her parents who should apologize to her, not the press.

[ruffmama]

I totally agree! They have been overworking their people and Shuster is frequently on Morning Joe which means that he probably has to get in the studio by at least 5am and then he is on the air numerous times during the day and then at night during Olbermann and Abrams. So he puts in long days. Give him a break. You didn't see FOX suspend John Gibson after his Heath Ledger comments and that was 1000 times worse. Matthews comments about Hillary were far worse too. The term "pimp" is common slang term that is used these days and it just doesn't carry the obscene meaning that it used to. People need to lighten up.

[umen]

I disagree that "pimp" is common slang, especially when used by a journalist on a television news show (even given that it's cable).
I know that many young people use the term in the "pimp my ride" context - that is, to make something look fancy. But I personally know some of these young people - they literally do not know the origin of the term pimp. They have no idea it refers to prostitution. They would never say someone is "being pimped out."
I am also a fan of David Shuster, especially his coverage of Plamegate. But Shuster certainly knew what he was implying with his comment - he is not 10 years old. He made a huge mistake trying to use slang to appear cool to his audience. He needs to rethink his position. I look forward to his return, and hope he'll learn well from this experience.

[HWBII]

Shuster is the smartest and most articulate reporter on MSNBC. His 'pieces' on their shows bring into sharp focus some pretty difficult issues and stories that otherwise would be relegated to sound bites and talking heads panels. I'm sure you're right that fatigue -- and generational differences in language -- played a role in an unfortunate choice of phrase. I don't think these people get any more sleep than the candidates do. BRING BACK SHUSTER! Write to MSNBC in support. [e-mail]

[yummymaplesyrup]

If he is as good as you claim, is exactly why MSNBC should clean up their act. These other guys who are worse could have "infected" him. Being around their veile language could maybe do the same to him as if they used swearwords all the time. Think about it, would as many people accept profaneties for just about every word being said? We would all have to learn a new language. Well we are almost there, some bloggers are too immature to participate in something as important as an election.

[boinx]

no one on MSNBC ever called the bush twins or the romney boys whores. can you imagine if he said anything about obama's girls?

he has been clinton-hating on air for quite some time now. this isnt a one time occurrence due to fatigue. besides, who starts calling people whores when they are tired?

[LoRiseAntlers]

At last,a rational,reasoned view on the situation.All the Clinton whine-bots here crying their alligator tears are probably gonna tear into you for this.

But of ,course,we all get to enjoy some more of that manufactured "outrage" that Billary does so well.The two of them will really pimp out their daughter now,in hopes of gaining some votes.We'll hear their how hurt and angry Hillary is over and over,her acolytes,like Taylor Marsh,will go on the airwaves,gnashing their teeth like utter and total idiots,and in the end,Shuster will have been right.

[OSUMercutio]

There have been at least five negative articles about the Schuster incident on the Huffington Post that have been pro-Hillary. Please don't tell me that this site is somehow biased towards Obama and/or against Clinton.

[Thorn]

Actually, Shuster's first reaction was hardly to know he was wrong. He defended his remark and went down screaming. Then he was told to apologize or he'd be fired.

The Clinton campaign might well not have complained if Shuster weren't so clearly in the tank for the Obama campaign. Which is fine -- but don't tell anyone he's some kind of "news reporter" at this point. That ship sailed a long time ago.

[boinx]

you are correct. the last few months he's just been gunning for his own show, and this was just another cheap shot to gain attention. didnt work out as planned.

[Thorn]

Well, that's part of it. But Shuster has been biased for his whole career. Only, at MSNBC, no one told him to cut it out. So he reaps what he sows.

[trippin]

Shuster shouldn't have insinuated Chelsea was being pimped, when clearly if anyone has sold her soul in her relentless quest for the power she once took for granted, it's her mother. So yeah, that was a mistake, but only by intergenerational misdirection.

Methinks the poor, fragile, now underdog Clintons doth protesteth too much. If Chelsea can't take a little ribbing, she needs to stay home and shut up. She's no longer the little child Hillary sought to protect in the 1990s.

Don't want to debate on MSNBC, Hillary? As we say around here, don't let the door hit you in the ass. If you find it inappropriate to mention the word "ass" because you're a female, well, that's all the better as far as I'm concerned. You can't have it both ways, tough girl.

[Trace8089]

But, imagine if a Clinton supporter in the MSM would have said Obama's pimped or pimping his wife or daughter. Jesse, Al and the Obamanites would have burn the MSNBC studios down. As a father, I would make Harry Truman defending his daughter look like a coward. David Shuster was wrong should he be fired (no) but I agree with his suspension. It might make the talking heads think and act as adults not schoolyard bullies. That is for us on blogs like this.

[littlenoodles]

Hillary hasn't 'sold her soul' any more than any other politician, including I suspect, saint Barack.

She's done what she thinks she needed to do (however boneheaded at times) to get elected in order to accomplish what she wants to accomplish. There's absolutely no evidence that that's not true.

And Obama's posited non-universal Universal Health Care, praised Reagan's ability to bring people together (without mentioning the dishonesty of the Reagan message), etc. In other words, what he thinks he has to do to get elected in order to accomplish what he wants to accomplish.

There's no significant difference there, except that Barack hasn't been around long enough to have put his foot in his mouth as often as Hillary has.

But if you think that's a good reason to vote for him (and it may be - I don't deny the 'wait for the Hillary haters' rationale), by all means, vote for him. Just don't go calling politicians soulless (and worse) for bending their principles a bit to get the job done.

Soulless. No, that's when you're born the son of the son of a Senator who's father becomes president and who fucks up everything he touches for 40 years - all with a free pass from his father's influence-buying friends. And then you decide you should be President of the United States just because you lack direction and Karl Rove says he can make it happen. And even he has a soul.

[hog]

well said,
politics can be theatrical.
everyone's got their full of **it moments to varying degrees.
it's just some are better at the deceptive dissembling than others.
for example mitt romney wasn't so believable, george bush does not even seem to try to lie convincingly and amazingly he is still POTUS.
what's that say about political 'talent?"
go figure