The bitterness of the Democratic presidential race kicked up another notch yesterday, with the discovery that popular Air America radio host Randi Rhodes recently performed a profanity-laced standup routine in which both Geraldine Ferraro and Hillary Clinton were repeatedly referred to as “big f-ing whores” (minus the sanitization, naturally). (She also called Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, and Dick Cheney racists and anti-Semites but Air America seems not to be upset by that.)
Here’s the video — which hasn’t been sanitized:
Air America released the following statement:
Air America has suspended on-air host Randi Rhodes for making inappropriate statements about prominent figures, including Senator Hillary Clinton, at a recent public appearance on behalf of Air America in San Francisco which was sponsored by an Air America affiliate station.
“Air America encourages strong opinions about public affairs but does not condone such abusive, ad hominem language by our Hosts,” said chair Charlie Kireker.
Brian Maloney questions the timing: “Consider this: the incident occurred two full weeks ago, on 22 March. What explains the delay in her removal? Certainly, there wasn’t a public controversy to deal with, almost no one not in attendance that night even knew about it.” He notes that Kireker is a Clinton supporter and that Rhodes has made even more outrageous statements about the likes of Mitt Romney without repercussions.
Rhodes is claiming breach of contract and that her employers have “damaged my hard won excellent reputation in the broadcast industry.” No, really.
Meanwhile, award-winning columnist, reporter, editor, author, bon vivant and raconteur Stacy McCain defends “his girl” from Rhodes’ insults.
via memeorandum
