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David Shuster’s recent remark about Chelsea Clinton being “pimped out” by the Clinton campaign, was no doubt inexcusable. It comes after a series of equally objectionable comments by other MSNBC on-air personalities. Chris Matthews apologized for suggesting that Senator Clinton owes her senate career to Bill’s infidelity. Unlike Shuster, of course, he was not suspended. I was disappointed that less attention was paid to comments made by both Matthews and Tucker Carlson, that suggested that Hillary Clinton was somehow “castrating.”I suspect that MSNBC’s stronger reaction to Shuster’s comments stem from their closer similarities to Don Imus’ controversial comments: they alluded to prostitution, and they were aimed at a young person, not a politician. Shuster has apologized repeatedly, and MSNBC has taken swift action. That has not been enough for Clinton, however, and she is threatening to derail the debate calendar over the issue.
I was highly critical of the history of sexist commnents on MSNBC (with Keith Olbermann, as a notable exception.) However, I think Hillary’s vindictive reaction is overkill, and worrisome. As justified as she is to be outraged by the comment aimed at her daughter, it should not get in the way of the public’s right to know, through debates. Moreover, I worry that a President Hillary Clinton might follow in the footsteps of Bush - punishing reporters who are critical, thereby circumventing the First Amendment. I believe Hillary should find another way to protest the sexism of some at MSNBC.
