MSNBC’s Shuster Suspended for 'Pimped Out' Chelsea Remark

February 8th, 2008 5:47 PM

Although MSNBC representatives make disgracefully offensive comments about President George W. Bush on a daily basis, it appears there is something the network won't tolerate: over-the-top remarks about Chelsea Clinton.

Such appears to be the case as MSNBC correspondent David Shuster has apparently been suspended for comments he made about the former first daughter on Thursday's "Tucker."

*****Update at end of post: Hillary's front-group, Media Matters, is absolutely thrilled by this announcement.

As reported by TVNewser (h/t NBer ricklail):

Shuster, who apologized this morning on MSNBC and will again this evening, has been suspended from appearing on all NBC News broadcasts, other than to make his apology. He has also extended an apology to the Clinton family. NBC News takes these matters seriously, and offers our sincere regrets to the Clintons for the remarks.

For those that missed NewsBuster Mark Finkelstein's post on this issue, a video and transcript of Shuster's remarks are available here.

Update 18:51 | Matthew Sheffield. Shuster's suspension just wasn't good enough for the Clinton campaign who are now threatening to boycott MSNBC during presidential debates:

A distasteful comment about Chelsea Clinton by an MSNBC anchor Thursday could imperil Hillary Rodham Clinton's participation in future presidential debates on the network, a Clinton spokesman said.

In a conference call with reporters, Clinton communications director Howard Wolfson Friday excoriated MSNBC's David Shuster for suggesting the Clinton campaign had "pimped out" 27-year old Chelsea by having her place phone calls to Democratic Party superdelegates on her mother's behalf. Wolfson called the comment "beneath contempt" and disgusting.

"I, at this point, can't envision a scenario where we would continue to engage in debates on that network," he added.

Clinton and Barack Obama are scheduled to participate in an MSNBC debate Feb. 26 from Ohio, which holds its primary March 4. The Clinton campaign has pushed hard for as many debates as possible with Obama, but Wolfson said the Feb. 26 debate could be jeopardized.

*****Update II: Hillary's front-group, Media Matters, is just thrilled about this announcement. What a shock! Those that can stand the astounding hypocrisy should go here and here.

Maybe even more sickening, NBC actually sent a statement to these shills apologizing for Shuster's statements.

Imagine that.

Can you remember NBC ever sending an apology to President Bush for any of the disgusting comments made by Shuster, Olbermann, or any of the other so-called journalists employed by this abomination?

Regardless, readers are warned to have a trash receptacle, tissues, and breath mints handy before clicking on any of the above links, for this is truly nauseating detritus.

*****Update III: What's the likelihood the Clintons are using this issue to evoke sympathy and slow down Obama's momentum?