Larry O'Donnell: Bishop Who Banned Patrick Kennedy 'A Political Hack'

November 23rd, 2009 10:56 AM

Leave it to Larry to fan the flames . . .

On today's Morning Joe, Larry O'Donnell called the Roman Catholic bishop who barred Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-R.I.) from taking communion a "political hack."

Interestingly, Mika Brzezinski had a totally different take, arguing the controversy was not about the Church but about Kennedy publicizing the matter in a play to his base. Though Bishop Thomas Tobin sent his letter to Kennedy more than two years ago, its contents didn't come to light until Kennedy recently revealed them to a Rhode Island newspaper.

MIKA BRZEZINSKI: I think this is about Patrick Kennedy . . . All of a sudden this comes out . . . This is about Patrick Kennedy publicizing his rift with the Church so that he can appeal to members of his base.

. . .

LARRY O'DONNELL: This is a political act by a political bishop . . . Political bishops do the church absolutely no good. This guy's—this bishop is a political hack.

Joe Scarborough was quick to disassociate himself from the latest from the man he's dubbed Crazy Larry . . .

JOE SCARBOROUGH: Sister Margaret, I had nothing to do with this conversation, Sister.  Nothing at all!  I love the Catholic church.