was Randy's rant live.. did she violate any FCC rules..? never got the real story

She was in a comedy club.

she was rightfully suspended. No one deserves to be called a "fucking whore". The comedy club stuff may be true, but its disingenuous spin.


Hillary should make a commercial with the video as Rhodes seems to epitomizes Obama supporters.

Again, she called Geraldine Ferraro a "fucking whore" and she called Hillary "a whore".,. You people act like that's just such a right and natural thing to do. WTF is wrong with you people?

The only fucking whore I know is Vitter....and I guess Craig. But there they are still in the US Senate. Why isn't Randi disgusted by them? Hell, Vitter paid a woman to diaper himself so he could soil himself.

I want to go to another planet.

or you'd know she's disgusted by them too.

car. I can't get AAR at home...low fm station that doesn't reach me.

She has seemed much meaner recently...others have noticed it as well. By that...meaner to her call-ins who are on her side. Ridiculing them because maybe they are not as smart as her. I really don't get it.

Did she say Vitter and Craig had 'fucking short dicks?' It's OK...you don't have to answer. We'll just agree to disagree. Middle-aged white women are free and open targets...most of the time they're invisible...so I guess they should feel complimented by the fact that someone would want to fuck them....right? Great culture...being youthful and being fuckable.

Women are just here for the male eye.

She had every right to do what she did. If the joke hit a nerve, perhaps because there is some truth in it then that is just the way it is.

but you MIGHT want to start connecting dots... as to what is really going on

Oh and when it comes to the toxicity of this campaign, look in the damn mirror (and that goes for both)

very raunchy...and just about anything goes...

so no FCC rules to violate,

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/4r2cc

"Come join other Bay Area Obama supporters for an evening with Air America host Randi Rhodes!

She was quieter in her support earlier in the primary season, but this week Randi Rhodes has been on fire with her passion for Obama (and disappointment/anger with his opponent). Today (3/7), she spent nearly her whole show urging people to get to Pennsylvania or to call Pennsylvania on behalf of Senator Obama.

Let's show her some Bay Area love and have a chance to get together socially as well. Spend your afternoon phonebanking and then join us (in Obamawear of course) for a great evening. Doors open at 5:30 pm, event is at 6:00 pm."

Anybody can add events to myBO. Non-story. It clearly states it is a Green960 fundraiser for Progressive Talk. Sign-ups were directed to Green960.com

that maybe Randi might be coming over to Sirius. I hope she does since I don't get AA, and sounds like I don't want it anyway. We need more people with the courage to call a whore a whore.

don't know that for sure...

just sayin'

:eyes:

who incidentally did a song called "He's a Whore"

Now don't find hypocritical that she called Geraldine Ferraro a BFW for her remarks about Obama and then NOT backing down and she refused to apologize? Rhodes should have been supporting Gerry for her courage and her right to free speech.

Calling public officials names in a nightclub not a huge act of courage - especially when rumor has it, she didn't know she was being taped. Ferraro & Clinton always know they are being taped.

I hope she goes to Sirius, AAR doesn't need to lose listeners over Rhodes - they struggle as is and I for one don't want to see AAR in my town flip to Christian or Country.

I'm supportive of Obama, but thought what Randi said was over the line...she could have gotten her point across without having to use the language she did. She also embarassed a lot of Democrats who are tired of the poo flinging...and see it as a distraction from the real enemies and important issues in the upcoming election.

it wasn't over the air.

Private event that ended up on a public internet site that can be viewed by millions. Not very private is that?

And whomever her "friend" was who recorded and posted it, wasn't quite a friend.

When you're in the media and in the public eye, you're always "on"...and Rhodes, of all people, should have known it. Now had this slime emenated from a Glenn Beck or Rushbo, would you be so dismissive?

Larry Johnson, FORMER CIA...

I know that this does not matter to you, but this could be done to YOU... if somebody is out to get you

No matter who is holding it. I know you're convinced Johnson is out to destroy Rhodes or that he's doing the CIA's dirty work...he didn't put those words in her mouth and tell her to say them. She did it all on her own. And overall, this is truly a temptest in a tea pot. DU and a few message boards are buzzing about this and not many other places. Is the CIA that desparate? I think they have an NIE they're trying to spin.

Cheers...

by the way... if it quaks like a duck... you know the rest.

And no, NOT CIA doing the hit, but Johnson using his well earned knowledge...

has so many problem with it, that it is not even funny

and you say get over it? WTF is wrong with you?

I don't like the language, I'd have left the club, but I hate to say this... free speech ain't always pretty

You act like that was a just fine thing to do.

Another hard concept to comprehend

Figures. You people would rather stand on your head in a bucket of manure than say Rhodes was wrong for calling Ferraro a fucking whore and Hillary a whore, wouldn't you?

right?

but nice try to turn it around on me.

the language WAS WRONG... but that does not mean SHE SHOULD LOOSE HER JOB.

Get it now?

Don't think so

So read the nice spin and waffle again

I may not agree with what you say, but by god I will defend your right to say it.

Now if you think she should... then perhaps Iran or Russia are far more to your liking

AS far as losing her job, I think she'll do just fine if she does. I hate to take that position, but I think she crossed the line so far that something has to be done. Maybe a 3 month suspension would be ok if not firing her. It has to be severe.

See, here's the thing. Randi is identified with AAR whether she likes it or not. She has a contract with them. I doubt very seriously that she is paid by the hour so that she can legitimately say she was on her own time. Randi works for AAR 24 hours a day. And, she was so far over the line something needs to be done and it needs to be very severe. You don't just call public figures much less another woman a "fucking whore". Free speech? Yes. Decorum? Randi's mouth belongs in the gutter.

where there IS NO freedom of speech.

Oh wait... you are here already.

Silly me, the one who until now believed we were still in a nation where what I said off the clock should not have this kind of an effect...

Enjoy the creeping fascism, because that is exactly what you are asking for.

Me, passport, check

travel money, check

Perhaps it is time to look at migratory rules for another country, before this one openly becomes a police state.

And I can't believe we have reached this point... but it is time to think about shutting up... and moving out...

Oh and perhaps one last opportunity will come next election... oh never mind, when we have both REPUBS and DEMS pushing for this shit, lights out.

Randi Rhodes had every right to say what she did.

Her employer has every right to fire her for it.

It's not a free speech issue.

if this didn't make it to the web

Get a grip and realize what this was...


Oh never mind big picture escapes people who are blinded by partisanship

I said it yesterday, this country is done for.

Definitely done for.

When we have folks defending these kinds of tactics

to be defending what she said....

That would depend on the terms of the contract she agreed to.

but silencing of voices in a METHODICAL way started with Donahue

And the Nazis also used community standards and "contracts" to get critics off news papers chiefly then.

Welcome to the new Amerika... and no this is not about her, but the pattern.

Oh and in case you have not heard, apparently a certain campaign has called ANOTHER network and told them to basically cool their jets or take them off the air.

Can you spell the world message? I knew you could

By the way the virulent, lets get a host off the air and have her fire by supporters of a campaign have made me realize that at least the supporters are not that different than bushbots... and just as dangerous.

You are free to say what you want, as long as we agree... the true test of free speech is not when you agree with me... but when you don't.

:hi:

this is UNPRECEDENTED in the industry


I think she knows her shtick as well

By the way AAR did NOT cover the trip... nor where they SPONSORING the event, that was the LOCAL station...

I know you will stick for the management till the cows come home

I see it as one more dangerous marker on the road to fascism, given that it was exactly this excuse (contracts and community standards) that were
used to get people off papers back then.

I will also add that according to miller the same forces that don't like randhi on the air, want her off the air, and for the same reasons.

a contract that covers what happened, that was her choice.

I like Randi, and have no wish to see her off the air. But she agreed to a contract - and this is either consistent with the contract or isn't.

I haven't sided with management because I don't know that they ARE consistent with the terms of the agreement. I only know they might be.

But I do know that NO ONE is entitled to a radio show or any other broadcast. It's always a matter of what the broadcaster is willing to put on the air. That's why it's good to have AAR as a more liberal option for radio.

and if this had not gone on Yahoo... your chances and mine of having this conversation are nill

This has all the hallmarks of a hit, and as I said, the type of hit you get in places like LA... a character assassination if you will.

And an excuse to be taken by the company to remove their cash cow fro the air

It was UNPRECEDENTED for a radio host to get suspended over what she said OFF the air.

And I hardly think she agreed to a contract that would regulate a comedy show.

Now I can tell you... message clearly received, as far as I am concerned, come november, if HRC gets the democratic nom for whatever reason... I will have to choose between Mr Four more wars or MRs if you don't agree with us, will shut you up

Not that is a warm fuzzy.

Over the incredibly short sighteness of her fans regarding the perhaps we can switch the channel and not listen to what we don't like, I may just seat out the election...

As far as I can tell this is fascist or fascist light. And quite frankly the IMPLICATIONS in the BIG PICTURE, not RR, but the BIG PICTURE are huge.

If Randi agreed to a contract in which her off air conduct was potential grounds for suspension, she has to live with it.

If not, then AAR may be in breach of contract.

I don't know the terms of the contract and neither do you.

The big picture remains: No one is entitled to a radio show.

Sam Seder:

I’ll be filling in for Randi again tomorrow and maybe a couple of days next week. I spoke to Randi today before subbing for her. I’m not going to characterize her feelings- it’s not my place to do that.It’s true that I feel Randi has taught me nearly all that I know about radio and consider her a friend but that hasn’t affected my perspective on this.

Personally, I think this is ridiculous. That said, I do believe that the network has the right to take issue with it.

It’s a stand up routine- and it offended none of the people who paid to see it.... No one else had to watch that tape - it wasn’t presented on the airwaves, etc etc....Would I have used the words she did, no, but I can’t promise that they would be any less "offensive".

Anyway, I have no idea how long the suspension will be or when we will know or why it’s not set. I’m willing to sub for Randi but I don’t like the circumstances. I certainly don’t want someone sitting in her seat who’s going to be a management toady.


Stephanie Miller Sticks up for Randi:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xB1JZ__TV_Q


Janeane Garofalo sticks up for Randi:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDYsWZnWtXs


Exercise YOUR right to freedom of speech - Let your voice be heard!!!

Petition to reinstate Randi: http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/reinstaterandi

EMAIL Air America: feedback@airamerica.com

Get over it.... or get rid of free speech.

if she called Michelle Obama a "fucking whore". Admit it. It's the hypocrisy among Obama people that is so absolutely and completely disgusting. What a double standard. If someone calls Hillary people a fucking whore, that's free speech. If someone says anything about Obama, it's enough to reverse the spin of the earth.

I'd be just as bothered over the language, but I'd not be asking for her head either

That little thing called well you know...

Or perhaps you don't

of this country and it is not only BOOSH any longer...


and yes, this damn campaign has become extremely toxic and dangerous

I just pray that we don't screw it up and let McCain walk right into the White House while we're in a circular firing squad.

and have made this so easy to steal it ain't even funny

And mark my words, none of these people will blame themselves for it come November

Don't throw that shit at me.

Mark Penn and James Carville are whores, and you know that is true.

why not? Maybe you won't look so much like a hypocrite if you just say it.

Sid

more power to her....i don't like what she said, but i don't like what bu$h* says either

it IS about freedom of speech...freedom to offend YOU or ME.

agreement with AAR.

She claims they are in breach of contract, they no doubt maintain they are not.

A court may have to decide.

across the board

Wanna bet?

but keep trying.

:-)

?

I doubt it.

are not known to either of us.

Imus had a contract, Randi has a contract. Likely the dispute will have to be worked out in court.

But the fact remains: they both had contracts, and their leave was claimed to be consistent with it. In that they are alike.

they did not explain to their viewers that anything in a contract was broken.

with their broadcasters.

That is not in dispute.

I have not supposed the content of said contracts, though public conduct is very typically included.

so clearly the management are taking advantage of their option to control their holdings in a way that suits them.

Whatever. Randi IS Air America in one sense. She could take her show somewhere else and start her own network and do better than Air America. These hosts don't need much, a few phone lines and some computer equipment. It's as costly and therefore under control as broadcasting like on TV.

Now where could Rhodes go? Name another Progressive or even moderate radio network. There is none. In this tight economy if Rhodes vanishes from the airwaves, there's a good chance she may stay that way for a long time...or end up back on a small station in Florida.

If "seeting up some phone lines and some computer equipment was all you needed to set up a talk show or network, you'd see a lot of people here in DU on the air. Instead, those who have tried, like a Guy James, were chased out of this place.

From one whose been involved with radio for 30 plus years...I thank you for the hearty laugh

:rofl:

Do you have any clue the financial mess the radio world is in these days? Or how Air America just hangs in there by the checkbooks of the Greens? Obviously you're not living on the same planet the rest of us who are struggling to get by financially are...and Rhodes is no different.

"Top liberal host" will get you a fuzzy covered lint-ball these days. Name me a "top liberal station" that she can or has worked for?

Right now the corporate that dominate your radio and broadcast channels are running on the cheap...and the cheaper the better. If Rhodes ends up "on the beach", her stay could be a good long time...few stations wanting to hire someone of her reputation and others who would balk at paying her. Just be grateful there's a little patch at the static end of the dial where any progressive or liberal voices are heard.

If Rhodes decides to leave AAR, she will be fine.


"few stations wanting to hire someone of her reputation" What is that suppose to mean?

I would imagine Randi could go back to Palm Beach or maybe Miami, but there are few stations that are doing live talk radio and a majority of them are right wing hate spewers. Yes, Randy's reputation has cost her jobs in the past...and she's discussed them. I've known many people who thought they were bigger and better than the station or network and the next station most of them that says "Shell" on it. Radio is run by corporates who don't like "boat rockers"...especially librul ones...and ones that expect a decent wage, either. She was fortunate that AAR came around and she's helped them as well...here's hoping their relationship continues.

Nova M
Jones Radio Network.

Next

It was a comedy bit and it was funny.

I'm sure many female DU members wouldn't find that terminology too funny. I have been supportive of Obama and have my share of issues with Clinton, but I found this childish name-calling as amateurish and, yes offensive. Dispute the woman's politics and her campaign, but this junkyard crap was far from funny.

Again, there's many other ways to get a point across without having to reach for an offensive term...and made it even funnier...the difference between a good comedian and someone out of control.

The suspension was wrong and unAmerican. And what the fuck does this have to do with Obama. Your just like that idiot Ferraro on Fixed News last night. Yeah your an idiot.

So it's OK to call someone a whore? Or that this is funny? OK...we know where your true colors are. Now if someone called Rhodes a whore, would that be funny? Sheesh...it's calle having decency and respect.

Shouldn't ya be in GD-Pit...that's where your poo flinging will have more effect.

Peace...

Where did you get that from? No fact it was a comedy bit. People are intentionly trying to lie as to what this happen to really be. One of the main Clinton surrogates just did the other night.

If someone called Rhodes a whore on-air, then I could see a suspension. In a off-air comedy bit no and yes I would say something about it but certainly no suspension.

Again it seems some peoples eyes needs to be checked. It's because of people doing crap like this to Rhodes that I decided to give to Obama. Three weeks ago. People like you have such a blind agenda that nothing get through.

and I presume an AAR station, though not sure of the affiliation. She was representing AAR, so it was not a simple private appearance at a club. That is not the way to represent your employer.

because the people at the event liked it. Oh also that station supports her. AAR does NOT own any stations.

why the lawyers are involved in the dust off

I was flipping around the dial last night, and stopped at Inanity and Comatose on FAUX, because I heard them say her name. Hannity was saying that she should have freedom of speech...blah, blah! Ann Coulter was there, too can't remember what denigation she was into.

--IMM

Apparently HE understands the RIGHT we have been given in freedom of speech!

As the saying goes ... I may not agree with what you have to say, but I'll defend to the death your RIGHT to say it!

In his eyes, a crazy woman was screaming vulgarities against Democrats. I'm sure he'd want that clip playing on all networks on a nonstop loop. Of COURSE Hannity defends speech like that.

Sam Seder:

I’ll be filling in for Randi again tomorrow and maybe a couple of days next week. I spoke to Randi today before subbing for her. I’m not going to characterize her feelings- it’s not my place to do that.It’s true that I feel Randi has taught me nearly all that I know about radio and consider her a friend but that hasn’t affected my perspective on this.

Personally, I think this is ridiculous. That said, I do believe that the network has the right to take issue with it.

It’s a stand up routine- and it offended none of the people who paid to see it.... No one else had to watch that tape - it wasn’t presented on the airwaves, etc etc....Would I have used the words she did, no, but I can’t promise that they would be any less "offensive".

Anyway, I have no idea how long the suspension will be or when we will know or why it’s not set. I’m willing to sub for Randi but I don’t like the circumstances. I certainly don’t want someone sitting in her seat who’s going to be a management toady.


Stephanie Miller Sticks up for Randi:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xB1JZ__TV_Q


Janeane Garofalo sticks up for Randi:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDYsWZnWtXs


Exercise YOUR right to freedom of speech - Let your voice be heard!!!

Petition to reinstate Randi: http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/reinstaterandi

EMAIL Air America: feedback@airamerica.com

What's not to grasp here?

Which it is NOT. I can't imagine any circumstance in which an employer would tolerate an
employee with a high public profile bleating out 'fucking whore' to any sort of audience.

That means whatever happened is subject to the contract, not employment law.

event. It was a fundraiser, independent of AAR, for a local station that carries AAR, Jones Network and other programming.

And Randi's got a contractual relationship with AAR, so it depends on the terms of her contract whether AAR was within its rights, under the contract, to punitively pull her off the air under such circumstances.