Keep In Mind, The Obama Children Were Off Limits.

Rudy · June 12, 2009

OK, the joke was really bad and personally, I think it was more of a shot at A-roid and the other dude he mentioned. But everyone on this board knows damn well, that had he substituted the obama kids in place of the Palin daughter, there would be hell to pay. That is the double standard here.

I cant remember which daughter he used in the joke. I heard the audio, and have no desire to hear it again. But if he did use Palin's 14yo daughter for the joke, that is just classless and tacky.

And there is a HUGE difference in posting a PICTURE of an 18+ young woman and using a female, of any age, as the butt of a rape and a knocking up joke.

EagleD · June 12, 2009

Please read the entire post Rick. Scumbaugh had a TELEVISION SHOW! It was canceled!

Clearly, we've established that you read only what you want to be read.

I ask again, are you outraged by Rush Scumbaugh's hypocritical antics?

Edited June 12, 2009 by EagleD

eulesseagle · June 12, 2009

I look forward to the day when your daughter is a teenager, or even a young adult, and older men (make that MUCH OLDER men) start gawking at her. Tell me how you feel then?
And Rape is your word, so that you can justify your indignation.

SE, answer FFR's question.

emmitt01 · June 12, 2009

So let me get this straight. Letterman never actually uses the word rape but instead the term "knocked up." Palin has a daughter who was indeed "knocked up" not too long ago. That daughter is, in fact, of age. Letterman says point blank that it is the older daughter he was referring to. There is a furor which is based, in whole, on the assumption that his writers knew which Palin daughter was in attendance at a baseball game...because without the assumption all of the indignation would be baseless. Did I cover it all?

Again, the comment should never have been made. But let's try to save our crusades for the virtue of the American woman for times a bit more deserving shall we?

meangreenbob · June 12, 2009

So let me get this straight. Letterman never actually uses the word rape but instead the term "knocked up." Palin has a daughter who was indeed "knocked up" not too long ago. That daughter is, in fact, of age. Letterman says point blank that it is the older daughter he was referring to. There is a furor which is based, in whole, on the assumption that his writers knew which Palin daughter was in attendance at a baseball game...because without the assumption all of the indignation would be baseless. Did I cover it all?
Again, the comment should never have been made. But let's try to save our crusades for the virtue of the American woman for times a bit more deserving shall we?

Really?

SilverEagle · June 12, 2009

SE, answer FFR's question.

"Let me make sure I understand here? Your comparing adults(OF AGE) who are in the business to look sexy, attractive and in some situation's young, who's intention it is to be in the public eye because they are modeling themselves towards that industry, with that of classless jokes being made on mainstream television about a man raping a child?"

Ok then. All the above is just Hugh Heffernish rationalization for objectifying women....which doesn't put someone on great moral ground for getting righteously indignant about a lame and boorish joke by a late night comedian.......who never suggested anything about rape.

To me, the joke was all about Sarah Pailen's lack of success as a parent as regards her official stance on teenage sex and sexuality.

And BTW, don't ever try to tell me what to do again. The last time I checked, the word PLEASE was still in the english vocabulary. <_<

UNTLifer · June 12, 2009

Here's my take on the whole Letterman/Palin situation:

Letterman: He tried to make a joke about A-Rod's and Spitzer's "personal habits" of sleeping around (A-Rod) and chasing hookers/easy women (Spitzer) and used Palin's daughter, didn't name which one, as the punch line. I honestly don't think Letterman had Palin's 14 year old daughter, Willow, in mind when agreeing to do this joke, but her 18 year old daughter, Bristol, who was recently pregnant and delivered a child out of wedlock, hence being somewhat promiscuous. The joke fell flat when he told it, Palin was outraged because she was at the game with her 14 year old, the right-wing media ran with it.

Yes, I am conservative and do not agree with the liberal platform of the Democratic party. Yes, I believe the majority of the media is left-wing based. Yes, I agree with the right-wing media, but also believe that some of them, Limbaugh for sure, sensationalize many things to keep themselves in the public's eye as much as the story they are covering.

Back to the joke. Letterman messed up and should have never told the joke, but I believe his side of the story and don't think he would ever make a joke about a 14 year old in that manner. Just my HO.

Censored by Laurie · June 12, 2009

Here's my take on the whole Letterman/Palin situation:
Letterman: He tried to make a joke about A-Rod's and Spitzer's "personal habits" of sleeping around (A-Rod) and chasing hookers/easy women (Spitzer) and used Palin's daughter, didn't name which one, as the punch line. I honestly don't think Letterman had Palin's 14 year old daughter, Willow, in mind when agreeing to do this joke, but her 18 year old daughter, Bristol, who was recently pregnant and delivered a child out of wedlock, hence being somewhat promiscuous. The joke fell flat when he told it, Palin was outraged because she was at the game with her 14 year old, the right-wing media ran with it.
Yes, I am conservative and do not agree with the liberal platform of the Democratic party. Yes, I believe the majority of the media is left-wing based. Yes, I agree with the right-wing media, but also believe that some of them, Limbaugh for sure, sensationalize many things to keep themselves in the public's eye as much as the story they are covering.
Back to the joke. Letterman messed up and should have never told the joke, but I believe his side of the story and don't think he would ever make a joke about a 14 year old in that manner. Just my HO.

I really hope that since this post came from you that most read it and give it more credibility than they would if someone like me posted it. This is quite possibly the most reasonible post that has ever been written in the Non-UNT Sports forum. Well done.

Quoner · June 12, 2009

I really hope that since this post came from you that most read it and give it more credibility than they would if someone like me posted it. This is quite possibly the most reasonible post that has ever been written in the Non-UNT Sports forum. Well done.

From getting out from under the backup in this forum, I will say that Lifer is consistently more balanced and reasonable than most when the poo starts flying. I only bring this up since we've had our special moments in the past (and I'm moderate) and want to try this whole gentler, kinder thing out for a day or two.

UNTLifer · June 12, 2009

I really hope that since this post came from you that most read it and give it more credibility than they would if someone like me posted it. This is quite possibly the most reasonible post that has ever been written in the Non-UNT Sports forum. Well done.

I felt the earth stop spinning for just a moment. Anyone else? It was probably caused by an ice build up in Hell. :lol:

Edited June 12, 2009 by UNTLifer

Censored by Laurie · June 12, 2009

I felt the earth stop spinning for just a moment. Anyone else? It was probably caused by an ice build up in Hell.

There you go though...dispelling global warming. Now Hell isn't even hot? I start to think you may be pragmatic and you just throw that good will right out the window

Shuke-D · June 12, 2009

I really hope that since this post came from you that most read it and give it more credibility than they would if someone like me posted it. This is quite possibly the most reasonible post that has ever been written in the Non-UNT Sports forum. Well done.

Lifer already posted a link to someone with the exact same sentiment. Only Quoner and I replied, and managed to derail it into a small homage to Futurama (sorry about that). Reasonability does not trump ideological jihad on (both sides of) this board.

yyz28 · June 12, 2009

Rick,
I assume you were equally outraged when Rush Scumbaugh held up a picture of Chelsea Clinton on his now defunct television show and said, "Who says there is not a dog in the White House."

I was outraged, but not equally.

Calling someone's kid ugly < suggesting someone's 14 year old is raped by a filandering has-been baseball player or is a Prostitute. ...and put away the "He wasn't talking about Willow" argument. It dosn't hold water. WILLOW, not BRISTOL was in New York and went to the Yankees game. WILLOW, not BRISTOL made the trip to New York. He was clearly talking about the Palin child who came with her mother to New York. ...not to mention the personal attack on Gov. Palin and the generalization of Flight Attendants. The whole thing was a FAIL and is, absolutely, comparable to what Imus said.

Limbaugh crossed the line on that one, and sumarily appologized. The man isn't perfect. I don't expect Letterman to be, but I do expect there to be consiquences to such a disgusting act.

...and Limbaugh stopped doing his TV show because he wanted to. It wasn't cancelled.

yyz28 · June 12, 2009

And let's keep something else in mind. Obama is not a speech writer for David Letterman. He made it quite clear during his campaign that families are off limits and I have yet to hear him personally renege on that.

I'll give that point. I'm not lumping Obama into this one. ...the point being made is that he MEDIA has stayed off his kids but not payed politicians on the other side the same courtesy.

Censored by Laurie · June 12, 2009

Lifer already posted a link to someone with the exact same sentiment. Only Quoner and I replied, and managed to derail it into a small homage to Futurama (sorry about that). Reasonability does not trump ideological jihad on (both sides of) this board.

Never apologize for a hijack.

Quoner · June 12, 2009

I was outraged, but not equally.
Calling someone's kid ugly < suggesting someone's 14 year old is raped by a filandering has-been baseball player or is a Prostitute. ...and put away the "He wasn't talking about Willow" argument. It dosn't hold water. WILLOW, not BRISTOL was in New York and went to the Yankees game. WILLOW, not BRISTOL made the trip to New York. He was clearly talking about the Palin child who came with her mother to New York. ...not to mention the personal attack on Gov. Palin and the generalization of Flight Attendants. The whole thing was a FAIL and is, absolutely, comparable to what Imus said.
Limbaugh crossed the line on that one, and sumarily appologized. The man isn't perfect. I don't expect Letterman to be, but I do expect there to be consiquences to such a disgusting act.
...and Limbaugh stopped doing his TV show because he wanted to. It wasn't cancelled.

I remember it because at the time (and I am ashamed to admit it), I latched on to the Limbaugh show and read two of his books during the Clinton years with my conservative papa. Rush had a field day with Chelsea - and so did SNL (remember the woman who played Pat's impression) and maybe even the Magic Hour and Chevy Chase Show.

I also think you are over-thinking how much Letterman - or anyone - really cares about Palin as anything more than a punchline. no one sat around and thought about her family itinerary, they saw a headline, cobbled a show together and went on with their lives. If Governor Palin doesn't want to be a joke, she should have actually invested her time and effort in her media training and prep work last summer. I might just be sensitive to that sort of thing, but there is no excuse for important figures not to be ready to handle a camera.

I just think that no matter what side of the fence you are on, it's hard to make the argument that Limbaugh is this guy who slips and makes the occasional gaff while Letterman is the one spewing vitriol left and right.

yyz28 · June 12, 2009

I just think that no matter what side of the fence you are on, it's hard to make the argument that Limbaugh is this guy who slips and makes the occasional gaff while Letterman is the one spewing vitriol left and right.

Why do people feel the need to put words in other people's mouths? I didn't say anything about Limbaugh's gaffes or Letterman's Vitriol. I NEVER said "Letterman is the one spewing vitriol left and right". I'm talking about this SINGLE, ONE TIME INCIDENT. I'm not claiming he is spewing any vitriol as a matter of practice. I am saying what he said is disgusting, and I don't believe his defense that he didn't mean the younger daughter who was IN New York with Palin and attended the Yankees game, and he didn't bother to apologize about what he said about the Governor and flight attendants. That is all I'm saying.

...and I reject the straw man of bringing Limbaugh into this. Limbaugh did what he did YEARS ago, apologized and moved on. The two really aren't even in the same league, nor are they in the same decade.

Quoner · June 12, 2009

...and I reject the straw man of bringing Limbaugh into this. Limbaugh did what he did YEARS ago, apologized and moved on. The two really aren't even in the same league, nor are they in the same decade.

I can't think of anything bad Limbaugh has said since 1995 and now. He's been pretty much spot on since. Of course, I'm not Hispanic or black, so what would I know about how to react to what he says?

And I agree they aren't in the same league - one stopped being relevant to me in the early 90s and the other stopped helping his party's cause in the late 90s.

F*** me for opening my mouth in this forum.

Quoner · June 12, 2009

See my previous statement. Make fun of Palin, but using her daughters to hurt her is classless. I don't care who has done what previously. If Limbaugh nationally sought to embarrass Hillary by slamming Chelsea then he should be ashamed too.
Letterman stating that he was making fun of the 18 year old daughter doesn't make it any better in my book.

I agree to a point, but the daughter has been putting herself in the spotlight every month since the election by speaking out on this issue from her ironic position. It's part of the exchange for being in the public eye - it's not right, but that's what society has become as the internet slowly pulls it all up it's own collective butt hole.

UNT90 · June 12, 2009

There is absolutely no doubt that Letterman's staff (if not Letterman himself) knew exactly who was at that Yankee game. If you believe they didn't, then you would believe they researched and found that Palin was in town, they researched and found that Palin was going to a Yankee game, that they researched and found that Palin's daughter was also attending the Yankee game, but they just happened to miss the fact that it was a 14 year old girl. Didn't happen. They knew, they thought it was funny because Palin is who she is, and they ran with it, and then they were disingenous and dishonest in their so-called apology when it caused them problems.

Gee, seems someone would have (and most likely did) call the CBS News Department and find out who was attending the game with Gov. Palin.

If you believe they didn't know exactly who they were talking about, you are EXTREMELY naive.

Quoner · June 12, 2009

There is absolutely no doubt that Letterman's staff (if not Letterman himself) knew exactly who was at that Yankee game. If you believe they didn't, then you would believe they researched and found that Palin was in town, they researched and found that Palin was going to a Yankee game, that they researched and found that Palin's daughter was also attending the Yankee game, but they just happened to miss the fact that it was a 14 year old girl. Didn't happen. They knew, they thought it was funny because Palin is who she is, and they ran with it, and then they were disingenous and dishonest in their so-called apology when it caused them problems.
Gee, seems someone would have (and most likely did) call the CBS News Department and find out who was attending the game with Gov. Palin.
If you believe they didn't know exactly who they were talking about, you are EXTREMELY naive.

Well holy crap - there's the proof. You refuted my imaginary scenario with a more sinister, imagined version with no facts whatsoever. Your imagination obviously trumps mine. If you can prove it, I'll happily apologize, but I just think everyone is making more of this than is needed.

Personally, I also like to imagine that the evil comedy writers also sat around and watched child pornography just to make sure that they were ready to really capture the true essence of this throw-away monologue joke. We should have them sent to Gitmo before they can really get spun up and propagate their evil further before 2012.

If I imagine it is real, it is real.

Censored by Laurie · June 12, 2009

There is absolutely no doubt that Letterman's staff (if not Letterman himself) knew exactly who was at that Yankee game. If you believe they didn't, then you would believe they researched and found that Palin was in town, they researched and found that Palin was going to a Yankee game, that they researched and found that Palin's daughter was also attending the Yankee game, but they just happened to miss the fact that it was a 14 year old girl. Didn't happen. They knew, they thought it was funny because Palin is who she is, and they ran with it, and then they were disingenous and dishonest in their so-called apology when it caused them problems.
Gee, seems someone would have (and most likely did) call the CBS News Department and find out who was attending the game with Gov. Palin.
If you believe they didn't know exactly who they were talking about, you are EXTREMELY naive.

Doubt it. Welp...guess you're wrong.

EagleD · June 12, 2009

Limbaugh crossed the line on that one, and sumarily appologized.
...and Limbaugh stopped doing his TV show because he wanted to. It wasn't cancelled.

Actually, Scumbaugh blamed one of his producers for the joke saying the picture was supposed to be of Hillary. That is not an apology. It's an excuse, and lame at that. I don't believe the explanation for a minute anyway. The show was taped, then fed out. If a producer screwed up, there was plenty of time to edit it out of the show, but Rush made the executive decision to keep it in. Truly a classless thing to do.

But again, I ask Rick. Were you equally outraged by Scumbaugh's actions?

yyz28 · June 12, 2009

Actually, Scumbaugh blamed one of his producers for the joke saying the picture was supposed to be of Hillary. That is not an apology. It's an excuse, and lame at that. I don't believe the explanation for a minute anyway. The show was taped, then fed out. If a producer screwed up, there was plenty of time to edit it out of the show, but Rush made the executive decision to keep it in. Truly a classless thing to do.

Yup, you're right. It was classless. Totally CLASSLESS. And lots of people gave Rush a LOT of heat for it for quite some time.

I'm still trying to find out what Limbaugh said in the early 90's about someone's kid being ugly has to do with Letterman making jokes about child rape and prostitution about someone's kid in 2009?

S T R A W M A N ! ! ! ! ! !

..when you can't win the debate on merit or on your counterpoint, demonize the actions (regardless of the timeframe) of someone who identified with the side you're debating against.

Fail.

yyz28 · June 12, 2009

...and since we're hijacking the thread, Limbaugh did NOT directly call Chelsea the Whitehouse dog, but don't let FACTS get in the way of your defense of this attack on the Palin family.

The transcript of the television show proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that the topic of the segment was "In/Out" by David Hinckley and occurred on Nov. 6, 1992 - 2 months before the Clintons occupied the White House or before anyone knew there was a Socks. It was about the fact that on its way "Out" was "the cute dog" and on its way "In" was "the cute kid." Limbaugh asked for a picture of the cute kid, and Millie the Bush dog was still showing - he said "No no no, that's not the kid; can we please get a picture of the kid - ok, that's the kid." The person who didn't change pictures quickly enough was fired. But the most you can accuse Limbaugh of is calling Millie the dog (who everyone knew at the time and would have recognized immediately) a "cute kid."

Here is the actual Transcript –

RUSH LIMBAUGH
SHOW: RUSH LIMBAUGH (9:00 PM ET)
November 6, 1992, Friday 11:15 AM
LIMBAUGH: Thank you. This show’s era of dominant influence is just beginning. We are now the sole voice of sanity, the sole voice of reason. We are the sole voice of opposition on all television. This is the only place you can tune to to get the truth of the opposition of the one-party dictatorial government that now will soon run America. Oh, I mean, we are only beginning to enjoy dominance and prosperity. Most of these things on the in-out list are not even funny, but a couple of them–one of them in particular is.
David Hinckley of–of the New York Daily News wrote this, and what he has–he’s got–it’s very strange. He says, In: A cute kid in the White House. Out: Cute dog in the White House.’ Could–could we see the cute kid? Let’s take a look at- -see who is the cute kid in the White House.
(A picture is shown of Millie the dog)
LIMBAUGH: (Voiceover) No, no, no. That’s not the kid.
(Picture shown of Chelsea Clinton)
LIMBAUGH: (Voiceover) That’s–that’s the kid.

You won't find the ACTUAL transcript of him calling Chelsea a dog because... SURVEY SAYS... IT DOESN'T EXIST!!!

Thanks for playing. ...the Failboat is about to set sail.