Randi Rhodes calls Clinton and Ferraro ____ _____ and ______

Well, this should be a fairly brief and easy item to write because we can't say so many of the words involved. Well, we can say them -- not that we ever have -- we just can't print them because no one has ever heard these awful words at work or in the street and, thus, the entire Republic would collapse if these words got out.

Because as some presidential candidate once said, "Words are important."

(And don't try to sneak words like ____ or _____ into the Comments section below either because, although we want to hear what you think of this ____  _____ controversy, we're watching very closely.)

It seems that another public broadcast personality -- this time a woman -- in the course of "entertaining" a benefit crowd for KKGN, the Air America outlet in San Francisco, called Sen. Hillary Clinton and ex-Rep. Geraldine Ferraro a whole lot of bad words having to do with prostitutes and what, we imagine, they're supposed to do for that money.

She said that Clinton is a _____  ______. She said Ferraro is also a ______  _________. She also called someone a _____  ________. They are the kind of words and images that get huge laughs when high-priced comedians use them on the _____ stage in Las Vegas, which is a _______ town.

The speaker's name is Randi Rhodes. (Spelling her first name that way makes her sound like a ____  _____, doesn't it?) She is -- or was -- the afternoon host on Air America, the "progressive" radio network that _______ and ______. It's designed to compete with the much larger array of _____ conservative talk-radio hosts and programs that are ______ and _____. Seriously, if you listen to any in that ______ crowd you must be a ______  ______.

In a statement released today, Charlie Kireker, who is the _____ chairman of Air America, said the _____ network "encourages strong opinions about public affairs." But apparently it does not condone words like ______, _______, or ______ when applied to public personalities, even if the speaker was _______ not on the _____ air.

Kireker did not use the words _____ or _______. Or even _______.

But the network did suspend that _____ Rhodes indefinitely. Now she can go to work fulltime to support her candidate that ____  ______.

If you need to hear words like ________  or ________, you can go to that _______ YouTube place and _______ watch and ______ listen until your ____  eyes fall out or you ______. Click here if you _____ must. We could give a _____  ____.

--Andrew Malcolm

Malcolm is a ____ writer with The ____ Ticket.   

Comments

[Luke]

You know, based on her word selection, I kinda see her point...

[John]

Clinton and Ferraro are tough people. That's why we like them so much. Call them enything.

[Liv Manto]

What did I tell you, Barack Hussein's supporters are vulgar and mean, even the women.

[jes]

Very funny. I quite agree with your comments.

[MoreSexistStuff]

SUSPENDED ONLY? IF THIS IS A RACIAL COMMENT, this vulgar women would have been fired!
Remember Nappy Ho comment? Imus was fired on that!! If Clinton is black, this woman would have been fired 20 times.
I am so mad that as a white female, my kind dont get enough respect. THis woman also looks not european white but has moor look like the moslems.

[steve winkler]

Air America is a mirror image of the Democratic Party--timid and ineffectual. First they fire the best voice on their network, Mike Mallloy, and they then follow up with firing Sam Seder, their second best voice on the air. How is it that O'Reilly and Limbaugh say far, far more inflmmatory remarks and they manage to stay on the air. Very disappointing.

[steve winkler]

Air America is a mirror image of the Democratic Party--timid and ineffectual. First they fire the best voice on their network, Mike Mallloy, and they then follow up with firing Sam Seder, their second best voice on the air. How is it that O'Reilly and Limbaugh say far, far more inflmmatory remarks and they manage to stay on the air. Very disappointing.

[Nick Lento]

This is such pure bovine feces.

I heard what she said and it was all, pretty much, the kind of political trash talk that people engage in all the time amongst like minded friends.

Also, a strong case could be made that the words, though coarse, were accurate.

Anyway; she's being paid to be a political commentator and to be controversial; it's a shame that with no pressure even being applied AA throws her under the bus.

Randi is the best/strongest host on that network and she can kick Republican ass all day long. It's a shame they're penalizing her for saying what most of he owners and management already think.

If they can her it'll be their loss. She'll go elsewhere and make even more money for that company.

[judy]

Whores everywhere should be outraged...at the very least whores aren't bigoted!

[rosalynneus]

Ms Rhodes does not not any other words and her twisted mind allows her to say stupid things. Ferraro was is right. If Mrs. Clinton is a W.. what Ms. Rhodes will be?

[Steve]

I don't know what words Ms. Randi "Shake Your Boobies" Rhodes used, but I assume that at least some of them were of the George Carlin "Seven Words You Cannot Say" kind. However, since they were uttered in a semi-private setting (an invitation-only benefit for San Francisco radio station KKGN) I am really surprised that Air America Chairman Charlie Kireker was so uptight about it. Perhaps he's afraid that if Hillary Clinton is elected he'll go straight to the top of her "Enemies List," a la Richard Nixon (another lawyer).

Quite frankly, Randi is a progressive with a lot of moxie and courage, but it seems to me that using vulgarities does little or no good to advance one's cause, so I'm a little surprised that she would roll around in the verbal dirt, if, in fact, that's what she did. However, Mr. Kireker needs to get the stick up his _____ OUT of his _____ and loosen up a little bit. Perhaps he can overlook this little pecadillo, particularly since it doesn't reflect well on progressives to punish those who believe in free speech, particularly of the political kind.

Steve Watkins
Los Angeles, CA
Pround listener to KTLK 1150 AM Progressive Radio

[bob dombrowski]

I don't understand it for the last 7 years all we herd from Democrats was how great the Clinton Presidency was , now Democrats hate him and Hilary , The Republicans would never do this to one of their own , November McCain will win and the Democrats will only have them selfs to blame

[Anee]

How disappointing to see a woman attacking another successful woman. I used to listen to Rhodes, but after this I will turn her off. If this is the best Obama brings out in people then we are all in big trouble.
I hope she gets fired, she should, if anyone was saying stuff like that about Obama they would never be heard from again.

[Scootmandubious]

Very clever way of commenting on our insanely politically correct environment.

Everybody knows that only right-wing pundits like Ann Coulter can get away with heated rhetoric. Only Coulter gets rewarded for it.

And the difference, Rhodes was doing unfortunate comedy schtick at a network-sponsored event. Progressives always eat their own. Coulter just tries to divide America and it pays off for her.

As somebody who works in broadcasting myself, I don't understand how Rhodes thought she could make those comments and not have it ultimately work against her and her network's credibility.

I am a fan of hers and hope she survives this. Air America goes under if she does, it's as simple as that.

[Tusk]

Rhodes is typical of the Jane Fonda ilk of foul mouthed left wing loonie tune liberals. Keep it coming, it can only help McCain in the general election.

[Bubba Langley]

To Scootmandubious:
Air America went under a long time ago. Americans are becoming more and more ignorant but a few of us still are too smart to get our marching orders from talk radio. By the way, Randi ought to know a ..... when she sees one.

[Tusk]

"Air America goes under if she does, it's as simple as that".

Tough tittie.

[Same------------ Different day !]

Wright,Rhodes,Gov. Judas,Carter,Hanoi Jane..Obama is
loosing control of all theese ¨PROGRESSIVES¨. A conservative reflex from the voters is building and the dems will be laughed out of the contest, unless a last
minute reaction of horse sense takes Hillary over the top.

[Denise]

Goodbye Randi...good riddance.

this has gotten so MEAN...i have been a democrat for 35+ years...my first vote was for shirley chisolm. after this primary, after my vote for hillary, if she does not win - i will change to an independent. can't say i'll vote for mc cain but i'll do a write-in for sen clinton.

[sicnarfe]

Air America Sucks!

They have lost their "progressive" credentials in my opinion. After their shameful dismissal of Mike Malloy I felt that there was some behind the scenes power-broker bent on destroying the efforts of progressive media. Then the departure of Janine Gerafalo was a signal that something was definitely wrong at the home of liberal voices. Then the axe fell on Sam Seder. There are other liberal voices that have been silenced by AAR.
Now Randi Rhodes. Like I say, they suck!

[sicnarfe]

Just a reminder to anyone who wishes to hear a real progressive at work, tune into www.novamradio.com, the home of Mike Malloy.

[Tusk]

"Coulter just tries to divide America and it pays off for her".

Coulter has a lot more class and a lot more smarts than this drunken loser ever will.

[shelly ross]

I believe at a private event, free speech still applies, right????. If you have ever listened to her show...you would know that she is one of the most well informed, intelligent, well spoken people out there right now talking about politics. Sit up and pay attention people!!!! Take your country back. She knows the facts not the crap cable news spews.

[I Am Me]

Randi Rhodes should be fired. I wonder what we should call her mother. After all, they are only words.

[Robert Jensen]

It is mind boggling that a person can not say what they want in an open setting without putting themselves in danger of being fired. What has this country become? Is that what Air America is about?

Randi did not say these words on the air like Imus. She said them in the context of a benefit while entertaining those who attended; albeit poor entertainment for Hillay supporters.

Maybe the Clear Radio Channel is placing so much pressure on Charlie Kireker that he needs to satisfy his channel's owners by dumping the First Amendment. Or perhaps Air American has become Charlie's America and everyone must perform "Charlie-speak". I suggest that all of the networks talk hosts have Charlie review thier comments 24/7 for approval. That way they could make sure they won't lose their jobs.

Be proud Randi...."Knockers Up".

From Bob a proud listener to KTLK 1150 AM Progressive Radio

[john Fredrickson]

See you next Tuesday, Randy!

[Doug Terry at terryreport.com]

I don't know what to _______. Since I never use bad words, it was very ___________difficult to make out what was being written above. We are a vulgar country. We have a patent on vulgarity and use it with regularity on all the cable comedy shows. It is not surprising that offensive language is becoming part of everyday life and ruining careers in the process, because we hear it all the time: in movies, on the highway, at work, at the ball game, everywhere but church (unless J. Wright is preaching). I'd rather people be mean with words that with baseball bats, but is that the only choice?

[redwoodtreehugger]

Mr. Tusk: using the words "class" and "Coulter" in the same sentence has me spellbound.
Nice try.

[Ivan Douglas]

I am thoroughly ashamed to be a Democrat. Why all the new-found hatred of the Clintons. Ferraro may have been out of line but Barack Obama himself has said he would never have been where he is if it wasn't for his skin color. Many people at this time in our history want to make a dramatic statement about change from Bush/Cheney. He has capitalized on that in ways that a white man or woman can't--his skin color has huge appeal to Democrats along with his stunning ability to read from a teleprompter while imitating a baptist minister. Democrats who are always looking for new and exciting ways to lose will nominate Obama who thanks to the Wright controversy will not be able to beat John McCain.

[Betty]

Randi speaks whats on her mind. Never without supporting evidence on her own show.

But let me point out that A) it was not a racial comment.

B) she was not at work or on the air

C) dont talk about what you know nothing of.

I voted for hilary but Im taking my vote back. Shes dirty just like a republican but standing on the dems side of the line. The reason I turned prog dem is because it seemed like we were the more honest. But HIlary seems to be just what our forefathers were warning us about in the federalist papers. Shes like a rep in a dems clothing.

Ive lead many people to support air america in its past flights but no more. I wont support them if they suspend her indefinitely

[fred]

give me a break as an African Amer. this race shows me this so call country is still stuck in the 1950's, what the hell did Randi say that was so wrong about those two sorry a$# women, Randi puts it in your face, for all of you that love the troops where is the love for this ex-troop. clinton brought race in and gave all you kkk members reason to break out your sheets and now you are going to put this on Randi. for all you good white folks, congress just passed a bill to say sorry to all the native amers. but will not say sorry for rapping and killing of African Amer. children and women that were slaves or so call citizens of jack up country by every presidents from washington to nixon and you guys think what Randi said was so bad, come live in my world.

[BOB R]

I don't always agree with Randi. Sometimes I think she's over the edge. But her comments regarding Clinton and Ferraro were not made on an Air America broadcast.

They were made at a non-broadcast event. She was doing a comedy monologue. It is difficult to find a comedy club act that does not include the "f" word. The reference to "whores" was used in the context of selling themselves for political gain.

Taking Randi off the air about this is lame. I am more offended when a corporatist like Hillary impersonates a populist. Ferraro is Walter Mondale and Tip O'Neil's biggest mistake ever. A giant "zero" elevated to the status of sacrificial lamb and she was too stupid to see it coming. Now she's just a bitter old Hillary groupie.

Air America's NYC affiliate (aka "flagship station" ) just dumped two of its programs and replaced them with the non-AAR Ed Schultz program and two health related infomercial type programs. AAR's new owner should worry less about Randi and her colorful, albeit sometimes bizarre humor, and more about fielding a winning slate of programs that make the network profitable.

Comparison's with last year's Don Imus incident are off base. Imus and his henchman Bernard McGurk, made their comments about young girls (probably all under 21 years old) who were not public figures.

[Mark Campanaro]

Randi Rhodes must be celebrating. She hasn't had this many people hear her say anything--ever. When I whistle at the urinal in my company's restroom, I have a bigger audience than she currently has Air America. Who cares what she says. She is one angry and painfully sad human being. I hope she doesn't lose her pathetic little gig over this.

[Patricia]

I am very disappointed in Randi Rhodes. I am a life time Democrat and she does not speak for me. Her behavior is similar to Rush Limbaugh's. I do not listen to her anymore. She is entitled to her opinion, but that does not mean that she has the right to denigrate the choice of others. I am with Hillary all the way.

[Peter Henderson]

I watched the video on youTube and the atmosphere was similar to a comedy club or a 'roast'. If you only see a person on a mass market show you may be suprised when you hear them speak in a limited distribution medium. The sad fact is that at least 2/3 of the stations on my cable package offer talk shows, comedy shows, and movies where all these words and more are used. Sexual scenes and flamboyant dirty talk are ubiquitous. The only words that are never used are two that offend women, even though one of them is very common in everyday speech. And we all know about the vocabulary in contemporary music. In such a climate, it seems hypocritical to get all upset over this.
The latest line is that Rhodes's comments were 'sexist'. Apart from stretching the meaning of 'sexist', people have the right to express sexist opinions don't they? Freedom of thought, anyone?
It seems not a day goes by that someone doesn't get in trouble for saying something offensive. Gee, people offend ME all the time and I have to put up with it. I guess we are supposed to vote for the candidate whose supporters offend the fewest self-appointed thought cops. What about the ISSUES? Since it's clear we can't have clean speech, let's at least have free speech, and stop firing people, demanding gratuitous apologies, and feigning outrage whenever someone speaks honestly.

[N.E. BodybutHillary]

I think the words that best sum up the three front runners for party choices are Decrepit-McCain, Delusional-Clinton, Da Man-Obama

[Rob]

Liberals are the biggest hypocrites. Ferraro and Hillary merit even harsher words then Rhodes used. This is censorship pure and simple. Air America is a farce.

[Jim T1212]

Liberals always remark sarcastically how conservatives claim the moral high ground. This woman just shows how liberals have claimed the gutters of morality.

[Ishmael]

My wife and I attended the event in SF and heard the entire routine along with the rest of a packed house of 500 or so others. I heard nothing that was not factually correct. I also heard the audience's response which was overwhelmingly positive towards Randi. As I have stated on other boards and to Mike Malloy tonight on his show, When you see Ms. Clinton genuflecting before the altars of Faux News, Rupert Murdoch, Richard Mellon Scaife and their media henchmen, what are you supposed to call her?

So I leave this quote from Father Mapple's Sermon in Moby Dick to my shipmate Randi Rhodes.

"And Jonah, bruised and beaten, his ears, like two sea shells, still multitudinously murmuring of the ocean, Jonah did the almighty's bidding. And what was that, shipmates? To preach the TRUTH in the face of FALSEHOOD.

Now shipmates, woe to him who seeks to pour oil on the troubled waters after God has brewed them into a gale.
Yea, woe to him who, as the Pilot Paul has it, while preaching to others, is himself a castaway. How delight is to Him who, against the proud Gods and Commodores of this Earth, stands forth his own inexorable self. who destroys all sin, though he pluck it out from under the robes of SENATORS and JUDGES. And eternal delight shall be his who, coming to lay him down, can say; Oh, Father, mortal or immortal, here I die. I have striven to be thine more than to be this world's or mine own. Yet this is nothing, I leave eternity to thee. For what is man, that he should live out the lifetime of his God?"

[Mr. Ming]

I'm an undecided voter but if I were choosing between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton based on the rhetoric of their supporters and surrogates I'd have no problem in choosing Hillary Clinton. Her supporters and bloggers are mature and don't seem to be filled with such hatred toward everyone who disagrees with them. Maybe the lesson of Reverend Wright is real. Maybe Obama supporters aren't happy unless they have someone to hate, be it Italian "garlic noses," Jews or all whites. Randi Rhodes is simply vile no matter when or where she made her disgusting comments. No she should not lose her job over this. She's in a hell of her own making just by being who and what she is. Vile.

[OUr Civil Liberties Taken in a Time of Nonresponsive Govt but Overly Responsive Coroprations]

It fills me with more despair than ever that Air America itself, full of itself about freedom of speech, the crimes of the Mafia government we have now, purveyor of our civil rights, supposedly, has removed one of their OWN from the air waves because she was doing a comedy monlogue. (You can't help but wonder if it would have been ok if it was Dennis Miller or a guy. I bet you it would have been). Do you realize how doomed we are when the bastion of the left does this? We are _______ed. _____ed I say! (SAY IT AGAIN AND LOUDER THIS TIME).
If you stand back from your party, your loyalties to whoever and spread the lens across the screen of the state of our country, you should get a very sick feeling about this. We ARE being wire-tapped. We ARE being censored. We ARE losing our civil liberties and not see the symbolism of this and be worried is to miss the whole glaring point. And by the way, can anybody say Mike Malloy?

What is AA going to do now? Patrol the air waves for proper behavior in the name of being an outlet for the left or more accurately, the Bill of Rights? Oh my God.

The empire is collapsing folks. It is collapsing. Plan accordingly or find a corporate Mafia you can glom on to for when it gets ugly. Maybe you can make some money off the carnage that is becoming our beloved country.

[Joseph M. Irwin, Msgt., USAF. (Ret.)]

After having my loyality and patriotism questioned, scorned, and ridiculded for the last eight yeras, the words Randi Rhoads uses to describe politicians are not that offensive.

Politicans are whores. Thay are parasites, they are blood-suckers, and they are bottom-feeders.

Hillary ain't a whore.

Her old man proved that.

[Kerry]

This March 22 event was an OBAMA EVENT advertised on the OBAMA WEBSITE!

http://www.nashvilleistalking.com/node/31505

[Frank Thomas]

Ya... It definitely looked like a comedy show imitation. Though I agree with everything Randi said and found it entertaining, I'm sure there were some Hillary supporters in the audience and what she said would have definitely gotten ttheir panties in a wad. They mostly being uptight _______ and all.

Lets face it Air Head America (and I listen to it all the time) is probably false opposition pied-piper propaganda for the most part anyway....I Can't stand that Mark Green character, Thom Hartmann is a trotskyite.. Sam Sedar is pretty good but I hear they shut him up because he once spoke in defense of the Palestinians. OK Here's the truth I still listen because I think I'm in love Stephanie Miller.

[Ziyad]

I fully support Randi. She is entitled to her opinion; Last I checked, this is freedom of speech.

[verycold]

If Randi is intelligent, she certainly did not sound that way when she referenced two very successful women in her own party. Some comments made by Barack in 2005 about his race is pretty much what Geraldine said a few weeks back. He said if it weren't for the color of his skin his books would not have sold as well. He would only be one of many junior senators. Geraldine and Barack made comments based on race, not racially motivated statements. There is a difference. Geraldine is however publicly saying that Barack's campaign is keeping the story alive with coordinated calls calling for her to be fired from her job. Maybe....if so the campaign of unity, hope and change is nothing more than a campaign slogan.

[Di]

Randi Rhodes was sexist and out of line, but that doesn't justify this hatred for Obama. People on both sides of the debate have behaved badly. I think the difference is when we forget about the surrogates and just listen to the candidates, we find that Barack Obama has never said a disparaging thing about anybody while Hillary Clinton has said vicious things that hurt the entire democratic party.

[PortlandMark]

Absolutely she should be suspended; arguably, she should be seriously concerned about her future with Air America.
Quite aside from whether I agree with her about Clinton and Ferraro (I do), when one is speaking at a public event, sponsored by your employer (or employer's affiliate), it is important to be moderate with one's words.
Heck, I'm merely a restaurant manager, and I'm *very* aware that I represent my employer even if I'm just out grocery shopping or having a beer down at the corner tavern. It's even in the handbook!

[Gene]

Air America should be worried about ITS future with out Randi Rhodes. Rachel is nice and informative but lulls me to sleep when I try to listen. Lionel looks like Joe Pechi in my mind and thats all I hear (his diction prowess while impressive grows old). Thom Hartmann rant's... is full of himself and so far left he wouldn't even fit in Communist China. Thank god for the internet so I can find the talkers I like no matter where they land once Air America gives them the boot.

[ed waldo]

I'm always blankety blank astonished when we censor language, but then it's been going on for blankety blank years now. Lenny Bruce died in vain (vein?) evidently.

Worse, the progressive community is going to have to, someday, resolve the blankety blank disconnect between wanting all points of view listened to and wanting to suppress any blankety blank thought or expression that might offend someone.

It is a FUNDAMENTAL contradiction and must, eventually, be resolved.

No: the story here is that this is exactly the same as the Rev. Wright story arc: post an out of date blankety blank snippet of a much longer piece on YouTube. Scream how blankety blank offensive it is, and let the junior high school mentality of the MSM and the blogosmear™ stampede to equally obscene and ill-considered judgment, as if they were not decrying the selfsame words and sentiments that their "morality" mentality scrawls on bathroom stalls when they think that no one is looking.

A blankety blank orgy of blankety blank prudery is still an orgy, after all.

I defend Randi Rhodes' right to say what she said. Period.

blankety blank.

[Carl Bond]

How these things unfold is pretty _________ _________ interesting. Such as the comparison between Rhodes and _________ Don Imus, even while she was not on the air, he was. Such as the comparison between Rhodes and _________ Michael Richards. She was doing it for comedy and humor, he had none of that... he was vile and angry. Those complete and helpless male _________.

And lets not forget that we _________ censor ourselves for _________ _________ _________ who knows why. Oh, yeah... I do know why... it's (probably) for the _________ children. The _________ _________ children who are already speaking this _________ _________ flavor of words to begin with...! Have those who do the censoring ever _________ worked and listened to America's _________ _________ _________ youth?

No, I imagine not. They might have their own _________ children as well... but oh, I weep. I _________ weep for those poor saps in the bubble that will never break. Even if they see their kids _________ engaging in _________ shocking behavior, their _________ willpower will not _________ shatter. They believe in the skill of what they do. How _________ fallacious. How _________ insane. Those _________ _________ filthy pigs.

But Randi Rhodes will survive this. I mean, she has suffered these same sort of unfortunate incidents before... those who have listened to her for the past year at least know what I am talking about. So she'll survive this. I think she is wonderful. Too bad I cannot help her fight this good fight beyond these blathering words against this _________ disgusting _________ corporatist, fascist slime. I'm sure I can rip a few nice orifices myself, in the same vein as, oh, Arnold Swartzenegger's Terminator performances.

Carl Bond, Olympia, WA
Listener of KPTK, AM 1090, Seattle, WA

[Redneck'n'proud]

only 3 litenters will even notice so nope big deal h aha

[Gail Sredanovic]

If she had said it on the air, that would be different, but as a stage entertainer, I would cut her some slack.

We really need her up to the minute well researched and documented reports and comments. Some information is very hard to come by and some issues get stonewalled. I found her very valuable and credible.

The words she used are not merely derogatory epithets, but vulgar expressions to describe what some politicians do to sell out their principles. I would not recommend this language but it is different from mere unfounded putdowns.

[CML]

It would appear you all are missing the point. While our Constitution guarantees the right of free speech, that doesn't mean it is prudent to say whatever you want.

What ever happened to basic diplomacy and civility? You can make your point without using vulgar or obscene language, and you are more likely to get your point across, rather than having the message distracted by bad language and inappropriate decorum.

Ann Coulter makes controversial statements, but she also makes alot of sense. However, when she starts with personal attacks I tune her out, too. Keep to the facts of the discussion, take out the emotion, and maintain civility. That encourages true free speech, because then everyone feels comfortable to speak, without fear of reprisal. The vitriol coming from this person is neither ladylike or even intellectual. It's just plain trashy.

Bottomline - Would her mother be proud to hear her talk like that in a public forum? Golly, I hope not. Grow up people! Trash talk is for those with NO CLASS.

Good day.

[Bert]

Rhodes is a falling down drunk.

[bbold2]

To Steve and Bob, the two proud listeners to Air America:

I think the two of you should protest the suspension of Randi to the president of Air America. In that way, he will know that Air America's ENTIRE audience is angry.

[Bert Howard]

Profanity springs from a lack of intelligence or a lack of integrity... why would anyone defend its use? Be more intelligent and act with real integrity. If a joke relies on profanity then there is really not a joke to be made, regradless of who is speaking or at the center of it.

[Stephen]

Now we have lost our freedom of speech. Thank you Mr. Bush. Republicans will continue to take our rights and drive this country into depression before any of you wake up. Ferraro is a racist and Clinton is more of a pimp than "W."

Why not discuss the news instead of Hillary's cankles or what hairdo Katie Couric has this week, or what name some talk show host has called someone. This is so sad for free speech.

America, wake up!

[dave]

words don't mean bleep. if anything, they mean some thing. what people understand when listening to words is the meaning they have learned to and are willing to attribute to those words. sometimes word choice denotes more meaning than the chosen words themselves. sometimes even less.
words can be used in equivocal, ambiguous ways, increasing chances for misunderstandings. some people might even use the exact same words to denote opposite meanings. always or sometimes. people don't always make it clear whether they're talking about one thing or another, or their specific perceptions thereof. they might express feelings by poor or good choice of words, and still confuse people with their actions or views... which is not helpful in addressing and solving any issues, but usually will generate more confusion on all sides. using the exact same words, people might be seen to talk out both sides of their mouth. or even lie to themselves. it might generally be helfpul to keep in mind that it is not the words that hurt or help, but the intentions of anyone using them, as they meet the intentions of anyone picking up on them, and reflecting them.

[WAKEUP]

Why isn't the media reporting that these comments were made at an official Obama event that is STILL being promoted on Obama's campaign website?

http://www.nashvilleistalking.com/node/31505

[Rich Duran]

Randi did not voice these words on her radio show. The Air America magement needs to pull their _______ heads out of their ______ ____ and get on with it. Randi has the brains and the beauty to go wherever she wants to go... If Air America Radio wishes to commit radio suicide... Here is their chance!

[Carol Rak]

Randi Rhodes should be able to say what she pleases. If you don't like it then, walk out or turn to another station. I personally think she's gone too far with her hatred of Hillary Clintion but when she starts putting down Clinton, I turn her off.

Carol Rak

[Max]

MISERY LOVES COMPAGNY! LOOK HOW HAPPY THEY ARE INSULTING AND HURTING OTHER PEOPLE! Really happy or JEALOUS of other people success? Just one world for these liberals: FAILURE! Randi Rhodes and friends by spreading their hatred, have found the best way to reconcile with their misery and their mediocrity! They are good in blaming other people for everything that goes wrong in their lives! MISERY BUSINESS! They love people who cannot think by themself. The more people are stupid the more their business grows. But do not forget: the comfort and the pleasure derived from the misery of others is always slight. Wait for the taste of your own medicine: The people you are insulting and hurting everyday using their rights to vote for McCain in case... misery that travels free use simple minds express! ENJOY YOUR BUSINESS RANDI! Max

[SusanYC]

I used to listen to Randi and remember when she was a great fan of Bill Clinton. I understand her wanting to back Barrack if he is who she chooses for her nominee. But not all her listeners are pro Barrack. Some of us are for Hillary. I have been offended by Randi's personal attacks on Hillary and have chosen to quit listening to her due to this type of behaviour. I am not surprised that Hillary and Geraldine Ferraro are offended. As woman and a feminist I am appalled that Randi chooses to degrade herself and women to the level that the Limbaughs of the air waves have taken.

[scootmandubious]

I commented on this yesterday, but I have to add something after reading some of the comments on here.

Maybe it is because I am not especially passionate about either of the Democratic candidates, though I am supporting Obama at this juncture, but the enmity growing between the Obama and Hillary supporters is very disturbing. It risks opening the doors to Bush-light, John McCain.

From a purely logical standpoint, what Randi did doesn't make much professional sense. It would be one thing if the rant was specifically directed against right-wingers, because Air America is supposed to be the counterpoint to the Conservative talk hosts who dominate the dial. Randi happens to be the one Air America host who does her show like a Conservative host, in that she can be very demeaning to her opposition. I like her, but she is more of an entertainer than a more reason-based host like Rachel Maddow. And I recognize that Rhodes uses 'facts', but there is no disputing who the more intellectual of the 2 is.

As it happens Mike Malloy is my favorite talk host of all and his language is clearly inflammatory, but it is one of the reasons I listen to him...he speaks to how I feel. There is a reason that he is not on Air America. By the way, from knowing people who worked at Air America then, the issue with Malloy's departure, from what I understand, was as much economics as anything else. He can still be heard on XM's self-titled "Air America" channel.

Randi's problem is that Air America is not doing especially well right now. In fact, they are now down to just 2 of their programs airing in NYC, Rhodes' and Maddows' shows. The network is not an Obama network, but is also equally comprised of Hillary's supporters. It is one thing to alienate the GOP based, it is quite another to alienate half of your natural audience.

Saying this type of rhetoric at an 'Air America-sponsored' event can result in no good end. That is the issue here.

Plus, what does it do for Randi's on-air persona, when she makes such Coulter-like comments. How will she ever expect anybody but an Obama-supporter to listen to her in the future? She just rendered herself ineffective in changing hearts and minds through reason.

One last thing, to the person who actually got on here and praised Ann Coulter....there are people who have praised the KKK and the Nazis as well. i suppose that even professional hate-mongers have their adoring fans.

[SlippySlope]

If her suspension leads to her termination, it couldn't happen to a more deserving person. In West Palm Beach she is on the same station as Glenn, Rush and Sean and I would sometimes listen to her during my drivetime home from work. Her insulting, anti-American statements would have me so worked up by the time I got home that I would come into the house steaming and my wife would just say, "change the station." After first hearing her bile talk, I actually wrote to the station manager asking how they could carry someone like her spewing the kind of anti-American comments that she did. No response. Then she landed the job with AirAmerica and can share the blame for its failure. American's do not believe the message that AirAmerica sends (which is why no one listens). Only the looney left (supported by the fortunes of the George Soros' of the world). Good riddance to Ms Rhoades. The airwaves will enjoy the breather.

[Barbara]

Randi was right. These two witches are trying to hang on with their claws to power in an America that is changing. They are obsolete. Time to move on.

[Jessica]

Randi Rhodes can say whatever she damn well pleases. Frankly, it’s a free-speech issue. I understand the position of her employers and I understand her sentiments toward that colossal _________ Hillary Clinton. I am a regular listener to the Randi Rhodes program and find her insights to be entertaining and most of the time, on point. She wasn't on air. She was in San Francisco and doing standup and I think that should provide her with some leeway.

Senator Clinton is very polarizing some love her and others love to hate her. Within the mainstream of the liberal community the consensus is that she is well hated. This contest has brought that hate to a boiling point perhaps only because of the contrast between herself and Senator Obama. He is stellar and she is a _________ ________.

[jes]

Apparently Randi Rhodes made her deragatory vile comments about Clinton and her supporters while at an Air America fundraiser for Barak Obama. In fact, Barak Obama is so proud of Randi's remarks that he still has the link to the fundraiser on his website.

Way to go Barak! I have yet to see you condemn this vile trash spewing from the mouth of one of your supporters at your fundraiser. What a uniter you are and what a group of wonderful supporters you have.

http://noquarterusa.net/blog/2008/04/04/barack-randi-cozy-as-can-be/

[scw54]

I don't think Ms. Rhodes should have been suspended. She was not on the air when she made her comments. I miss hearing her rantings when commuting in the evening. Air America, please bring her back!
Obama 08!

[Gary - Matthews NC]

I thought only republicans spew hate, isn't that what we are led to believe?

What a joke, the media and Washington is just absolutely pathetic. These two circus acts are among the main reasons that our future is so cloudy.

Americans have to realize that we need to kick all of the bums out of Washington and start over again in the image of the great Americans that founded this country. Get government out of the way and let the greatness of this country's people lead the way. The decision making of the 500+ people in Congress are leading us in the toilet and the people in the media are greasing the skids along the way.

[Jack]

I have tuned into her show mant times since 2003,and can assure you that compared to the crap I hear on the right wing propaganda shows these comments don't justify suspension or anything else. AA, get real about this, have you been listening to anything lately? AA should admit their mistake, bring her back, and forget about it !!!

[carmen]

Words are merely symbols of symbols, and thus they are twice removed from reality. The easiest rule to follow in broadcasting is this: If you can avoid offending anyone, DO IT! Randi was just showing off for her tiny little audience. I've tried to listen to her show, and she is a very well-informed, intelligent host. But she is so angry. Thing is with Air America, while the hosts are blasting the other side, they keep missing the point, which is that what they are saying and perpetuating is exactly what they are opposed to: Hate, fear, ignorance, and intolerance. Goes both ways, and they are just a reverse image of what they say they are against.
No one really addresses the real problem, and therefore the only solution is never brought up.

We only have one problem in this world. We just flat out refuse to love one another. Every form of social ills can be traced back to this 'seeming problem.' We're not willing to believe this because it sounds preposterous, and what we think we really need are more laws, prisons, wars, drugs, sex, drink, and more mind-numbing experiences to divert us from the so-called problem.
Randi is just one more pissed off, unhappy person in this world, and I wish her peace. We are all loved. Let's act like it.

[Opus]

I am glad that Randi got called for her statements. Some one wrote that she says is documented and that is not true. She used to suck up to Barbara Boxer and the two of them claimed that Boxer had never lied. that is wrong and just check into the cheatin that went on with checks when Rostenkoski went to jail. Boxer came on the radio and said she had NEVER Kitted any checks. the next day she or some one from her office said to be sure they were looking into the records to see if they had ever done it. The records did show that she had kitted quite a few checks, sowho do we belive? Air America did not make it in my city one of the reddest states in the country as they had little financial support. Now we all know that Hillary has a hard time tellig the truth also. Who thehell do we vote for and who can we trust?

[William]

Hillary has had this sense of entitlement ever since her and Bill left the White House. She is upset that things have not gone as planned and she, Bill, and her supporters have done everything in their power to bring down Barack. Really, what has she really ever done. Obama actually has more experience. Randi was entitled to her comments. AIr America is the big loser without her.

[Larce Clark]

Have not heard all the X words but get the picture..Randi was clearly stupid and probably half tanked.. Wish we could all lighten up about language If a black man acts lik an N, call him an N.If a woman acts llike a C call her a C and if a white man acts like a misogynist homophobic racist A hole let's come up with a good name for them too. Cracker, Casper, Honky nor Hillbilly don't quite make it. I actually embrace the latter. I'm sure people of color (ie anyone darker than Bill Kristol, Hannity or Limbaugh.probably have some pretty good
suggestions as does the gay populace. Point is give it a rest.
Can't believe I could be called racist for saying a black man was articulate.

[mark]

Hilliary is just like a spoiled child who didnt get her way,she has the nerve to pimp her daughter for her power hungry self.If by any chance hillary does get the nomination,I am voting for john mccain.I hate hillary.

[Lance Boyle]

Randi Rhodes (real name Randi Buten) has been a two fisted drunk for a very long time, going all the way back to her enlistment in the Air Force in 1977. It was because of her chronic alcohol abuse that she was forced out early and with a less than an honorable discharge, what is called a general discharge – one step short of a dishonorable discharge.

Her next episode with the bottle occurred at WAPP-FM in 1987. Now going by the name Randi St. John, she launched into an on air drunken tirade about homosexuals. As a result the station lost several major advertisers and she lost her job.

Then we have the alleged mugging incident. After downing 14 Bloody Marys at an Irish pub in October of 2007 she became aggressive and abusive to the staff and other patrons. She was asked to leave, which she reluctantly did and then proceeded to fall down flat on her face on the pavement knocking out her front teeth and blackening her left eye. The first thing she did was call the Air America radio station and claim she was mugged by “right wing extremists” while innocently walking her dog. She and Air America stuck to this story for about a week even though she never followed through with a police report. It was only after the staff and customers of the pub had come forward with what really happened that she changed her story. Now she claims as to not knowing what happened to her and refuses to comment further on the embarrassing spectacle.

But it gets even better. In less than 5 months after her swan dive into the concrete we have yet another drunken outburst. Showing up drunk at an Air America affiliate in San Francisco she launched into another obscenity filled rant, this time about Hillary Clinton and Geraldine Ferraro. Now even Air America was getting tired of her drunken antics. The radio station immediately suspended her with no date set for her return. You can rest assured she will not be returning to Air America or any radio station anytime soon.

Recovering alcoholics have a saying: Everybody has their own personal rock bottom. You would think that after being forced out of the Air Force with a less than honorable discharge for alcohol abuse, loosing her job at WAPP-FM for an on air drunken tirade, having her husband divorce her in 2004 for constantly drinking, doing her “I can lick any woman in the house” routine after 14 Bloody Marys only to land face down on the pavement and then lie about it through a mouth full of broken teeth and now loosing yet another job because of her boozing she would realize that she has a problem. But she hasn’t. She continues to blame others for her problems, a typical trait of the alcoholic. Randi Rhodes has yet to hit her “personal rock bottom”. But someday she will, all alcoholics eventually do. But one thing’s for sure, you won’t be hearing her on the radio anymore.

[Dan Rickenbacher]

None, but absolutely NONE of the stories this "Lance Boyle" puts out here in his previous comment have any roots in any facts. Of course he won't provide even the slightest reference for the "cases" he mentions - because he simply can't.

So, in keeping with the tone and use of words being discussed here, I'll proudly say the following:

Mr.Lance Boyle, sir, you are a F***ing Liar.

[En Tranced]

Lance Boyle,
Thank you very much for that information. I believe the co-host in milwaukee was Perry Stone, a Howard Stern wannabe who was also fired after causing the station to lose $65,000 in advertising in one day.

I truly used to love AAR, but they have taken the low road and have mercilessly pummelled Clinton. I don't know why they can't just support Obama and stop the anti-clinton barrages.

anyway, what Buten said was offensive and uncalled for. Hopefully you are correct and she is gone for good!

[Dan Rickenbacher]

Lance Boyle takes his "information" from blogs like The Gawker, the ultra right wing NewsBusters and other dubious sources in the blogosphere. There's no official corroboration for any of it.

So it's OK for you when Hillary Clinton cozies up to people like Rupert Murdoch, Richard Mellon-Scaife and others who were instrumental in the right-wing effort to destroy her husband's career in the 90s, just to get a little more exposure in the mainstream media? Is it OK for you when she says that McCain would be better for national security than Obama, thus freely handing out talking points to the opponents on the right?

And these are just two examples of a good number of unsavory campaign tactics. HRC knows she basically already lost - now she seems determined to take down the party with her.

So when someone like Randi - who's been a staunch supporter of the Clintons for more than a decade - points out these ugly shenanigans ... that's what you call "merciless pummelling"? You're entitled to your opinion, but in mine both Ferraro and Clinton fully deserve what Randi called them, as in the 3rd definition by Merriam-Webster.

[d. orr]

THIS BEHAVIOR IS CHARACTERISTIC OF MANY OBAMA SUPPORTERS. THEY ARE HATEFUL OF WOMEN AND VICIOUS IN THEIR SUPPORT FOR THE POPE OF HOPE. AND SADLY IT IS RANDI RHODES AND WOMEN LIKE HER WHO ARE SO FILLED WITH SELF-LOATHING THAT THEY MUST TRASH THE FIRST VIABLE WOMAN WE HAVE EVER HAD FOR PRESIDENT AND INSTEAD OF ENJOYING THE MOMENT FILL IT WITH TRASH AND SHAME. SHAME ON YOU RANDI RHODES. SHAME ON YOUR VERBAL ABUSE OF ANOTHER WOMAN. YOU ARE A PERPETRATOR OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN. VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ALWAYS BEGINS WITH VERBAL ABUSE. MAYBE YOU THINK HILLARY CLINTON AND GERALDINE FERRARO SHOULD GET BEATEN UP AND RAPED TOO BECAUSE THEY ARE JUST 'F***ING WHO**S" ACCORDING TO YOU.

[Scott Mercer]

The difference between this and the Imus comment:

1)Imus was on the air; she was in a nightclub where people were drinking (and curse all the time).
2) Imus was calling racist names on basketball players who HAD DONE NOTHING WRONG, he was merely commenting on their appeance. Randi was criticizing elected officials (or former officials in Ferraro's case) for their horrible actions.
3) Imus was making an ad hominem attack, Randi was not. She was using that term as a metaphor for their "sell out' actions.
4) Imus was making an off-handedly racist/sexist remark, Randi was making a pointed, rehearsed political remark.
5) Imus' remark revealed his inner thoughtlessness, Randi's remark revealed her inner thoughtfulness.

Let's get over this YouTube "gotcha" culture. Randi is paid and paid well to hold opinions and express them. So, when she does so (off the air) she is suspended? Makes no sense.

[Nina Kethevan]

In this country you can lie, steal, kill--destroy whole nations with impunity, but you cannot use controversial langusage.
Our pueriile, puritanical mindset, coupled with our violence due to our lack of self-awareness, beggars description.
For heaven's sake, O hypocrites in charge! Stop pretending to to have the moral high ground, and reinstate Randi. And shame on you for firing her without any warning, like snakes-in- the-grass.

Nna Kethevan