Imus was fired, but Obama raises $$ to 'Ho' Routine

by catfish2, Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 12:50:51 PM EST

Comedian Bernie Mac covered it all at last night's $2,300 per person Obama fundraiser:

  1. women as people who do dishes and laundry. (Awesome, you've come a long way baby.)
  2. His house is so cold because of his wife's menopause. (You couldn't think of ANY other material Bernie? Shall Hillary Clinton hire a comedian to make fun of your hair?)
  3. And illustrating the difference between a hypothetical question and a realistic question by explaining to Mac's nephew that his mother and his sister are both 'ho's who would have sex with the mailman for the right price:
The Chicago-born comedian and actor told what he said was a joke about his nephew coming to him and asking the difference between a hypothetical question and a realistic question.

To demonstrate the difference, he tells the nephew to go ask his mother if she would make love to the mailman for $50,000. The mother says she would make love to the mailman and anybody else for $50,000.

He tells the nephew to go ask his sister if she would make love with her neighbor for $50,000. She says she would make love with the neighbor and anybody else for $50,000.

So he tells the nephew: "Hypothetically speaking, we should have $100,000. But realistically speaking we live with two hos," Bernie Mac said.

Obama thanked the comedian, who he called the "King of Comedy." After the presidential candidate told Mac he should clean up his act, Obama said he was just kidding:
"That means, by the way, Bernie you got to clean up your act. This is a family affair... I'm just messing with you," he said.

After praising Mac, Obama gave a speech to the donors on the importance of party unity.

Lovely. Taking attitude towards women to the pre-Imus era.

Cute. Maybe Obama didn't want to mess up his own image:
Mac, a Chicago native, said he's a longtime Obama supporter and called the presumptive Democratic nominee a "man's man" while offering him advice for the duration of the campaign trail.



Tags: Obama, sexism (all tags)

Display:
Permalink :: 393 Comments :: Post a Comment


Okay, some of those jokes (2.00 / 15)

may have been insensitive, but it isn't as if Obama wrote Bernie Mac's set for him.

Also, it's a question of intent. Imus said something hateful, and if he had any intentions at all (probably not), they were harmful. A comedian doesn't do a routine with a specific intention to harm others.


Even John McCain lusts after teh engels.
by sricki on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 12:54:30 PM EST

sricki come on (1.70 / 10)

when are the scales going to fall from your eyes.

Obama missed an opportunity - did he have to say "I'm just messin' with you?"


by catfish2 on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 12:56:47 PM EST
[ Parent ]

"Scales"? (2.00 / 13)

I don't think I'm familiar with that expression...

"I'm just messin' with you" works well when you're talking to a comedian. And you didn't address my point about intent.

Come on, catfish. You're better than this -- I just know it. What holds you back? What makes you want to be a member of PUMA? It can't be little things like this, especially when McCain laughs at, "How do we beat the bitch?" and calls his wife a "cunt" and a "trollop". What makes the choice so difficult for you?


Even John McCain lusts after teh engels.
by sricki on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 12:59:45 PM EST
[ Parent ]

So it's OK because McCain said that? (1.57 / 7)

Democrats are supposed to be the ones who stand up for advancement of all people.


by catfish2 on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 01:05:57 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Obama said that publicly (2.00 / 12)

because he didn't want to make a scene at the event. He didn't approve.

And you're still ignoring my questions. Why do you want to be part of PUMA? What can you gain?

An excerpt from a post I wrote at C4O but didn't diary at MyDD:

I'll freely admit that I don't like PUMA. I think it's a terrible idea to work against the Democratic nominee, especially since PUMA members believe in most of the values Hillary believes in. I don't fully understand what they're trying to accomplish. Are they punishing the party, or do they think Hillary has a chance to win the nomination? I agree with them on many things - caucuses are undemocratic, the process was unfair, Hillary was treated like sh*t by the media. So I concur with them in a lot of ways, but in weighing my choices, I've come to the conclusion that supporting Obama is the only logical path to take. From a purely selfish point of view, if I want to protect my own rights as a woman, he's the only option for me. While I understand the PUMAs' pain, I do think they're being somewhat irrational, and I'm furious at a lot of them for working against Hillary and harassing those of us who are trying to do what she asked us to do.

And yet, on some fundamental level, I understand them. They're hurt and angry. They worked hard for a woman I love and invested a lot of their time, money, energy, and emotion in her campaign - just as I did. I respect that. It's painful when people I used to get along with call me a faux Clinton supporter because I've been open-minded about Obama. It's painful because what I've done - what all of us have done - has been hard. No one is enjoying this. There was a time when my excitement and happiness about the 2008 presidential elections was nearly rapturous. I couldn't wait to see Hillary rip McCain to shreds in the debates. She's a fighter, a scrapper, a champion, and I couldn't wait to see her take on (and take down) the GOP. Whenever I felt sad or distressed about anything in my personal life, I used to close my eyes and imagine watching Hillary being sworn into office; it never failed to bring a smile to my face. I gave her more money than I could afford, and spent hours upon hours making calls for her. It didn't work out. The dream died. But I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat.

Despite the hurtful things they've said, I hold out hope that most of the PUMA people, particularly alegre, will return to us.


Even John McCain lusts after teh engels.
by sricki on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 01:14:11 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Public Approval - Passive Bystander (1.50 / 4)

that makes it worse. He needed their money.


by catfish2 on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 01:16:08 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Catfish, why won't you answer me? n/t (2.00 / 11)


Even John McCain lusts after teh engels.
by sricki on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 01:18:35 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Who said I was part of PUMA? (1.60 / 5)

That's an off-topic question.


by catfish2 on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 01:22:18 PM EST
[ Parent ]

No, it isn't off topic (1.92 / 28)

because it goes to intent. You hang out at Alegre's Corner, and you constantly oppose Obama. Sounds like PUMA to me.

You just don't want to answer. I'm not asking these questions to stump you -- I genuinely want to understand.


Even John McCain lusts after teh engels.
by sricki on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 01:24:12 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Ratings abuse, catfish. (1.90 / 10)

I'm actually surprised.


Even John McCain lusts after teh engels.
by sricki on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 01:26:09 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Off Topic merits TR (1.30 / 13)

Just stick to the diary topic please.


by catfish2 on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 01:32:29 PM EST
[ Parent ]

You can't answer the question. (1.95 / 21)

I thought not. Even you don't know why you're in PUMA. You KNOW it's irrational, but you're running with it anyway, purely on an emotional basis. Unfortunate. Regardless, I still say you're better than this. I hope you rejoin us soon.

Now go ahead and TR this. Very brave of you.


Even John McCain lusts after teh engels.
by sricki on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 01:39:03 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: You can't answer the question. (2.00 / 2)

only irrational if you want the change candidate not to change toward 'the bottom,' which is his claim, that he listens to the bottom?  He could for example try to be a more inclusive candidate, like include those of us who'd like him to improve?  


what a relief
by anna shane on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 01:51:50 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I'll piggyback up here to get something straight (2.00 / 5)

Obama called Bernie Mac the "King of Comedy" because that's his handle. That's the name of the touring act Mac, Hughley, Cedric the Entertainer belonged too.

"The Kings of Comedy"

Either get with the times or do your research catfish because you're
"acting a fool" every time you use that line to attack Obama.

This is new. Getting worked up over a fucking comedian.

People then wonder why others think PUMA is a fucking joke.


Welcome to a landslide WITH white working class, latinos, women and holding on sweeties!!!
by spacemanspiff on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 07:31:23 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I'll piggyback up here ...... (none / 0)

Wow Mr Astronaught! You will make Mr. Mac proud! I don't think Obama will be proud of your language full of f- words!

Don't need to research anything on Mr. Mac because forun - even if it is a fund raiser - was not a comedy club, and he should have realize that and shall not have used that type of language. And as a democratic party nominee for president Obama shall have used commonsense to confront King of Comedy ... period!


by PK on Sun Jul 13, 2008 at 11:27:03 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: You can't answer the question. (2.00 / 1)

Why can't you stay on topic of this diary. It is none of your business to ask in this thread whether (s)he is a PUMA or PUMA symphthizer or Obama hater. If you want to insist on knowing that than send him an e-mai. or write diary asking all Obama hater or PUMAs or PUMA supporter that question in that diary.

"I'm just messin' with you?" - in this case Obama shall have said that Mr. Mac or King of Comedy - what ever he is - I will encourage you to clean up your act and next time you want to use this type of language, than please I don't want your support. You are univited to from podium until you clean up your act for this type of meetings/gatherings.

Was that more to ask from the agent of change/family guy?

Believe me I am peeved on this one too, and makes me think twice whether to stay democrate!

For me USA comes first and than party and than candidate!!!


by PK on Sun Jul 13, 2008 at 11:18:14 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Because the topic of this diary is ridiculous. n/t (none / 0)


Even John McCain lusts after teh engels.
by sricki on Sun Jul 13, 2008 at 11:20:26 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Because the topic of this diary is ridiculous. (2.00 / 1)

Than don't participate in the discussion.

Make your point once, and move on to some thing more productive. No need to flame the topic if you don't agree!!!


by PK on Sun Jul 13, 2008 at 11:30:50 AM EST
[ Parent ]

I was trying to help the diarist. (none / 0)

You should consider minding your own business. Step off. You'll be glad you did.


Even John McCain lusts after teh engels.
by sricki on Sun Jul 13, 2008 at 11:35:25 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I was trying to help the diarist. (2.00 / 1)

Aren't you the one who posted Diary on "Is it... fault...?" stating that people who don't agree with you makes you angry?

What are you going to do if I don't step off? Throw more tantrums!


by PK on Sun Jul 13, 2008 at 12:26:12 PM EST
[ Parent ]

You are obviously a PUMA. (none / 0)

I can't help you guys. I've already tried. So find someone else to aggravate.

Thanks in advance.


Even John McCain lusts after teh engels.
by sricki on Sun Jul 13, 2008 at 12:33:54 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: You can't answer the question. (none / 0)

Believe me I am peeved on this one too, and makes me think twice whether to stay democrate [sic]!
OH NOES!!!!!! Please stay a democrate. We need smart people like you. Ones who will decide not to vote for a candidate because of what a comedian said. People like you are the backbone of the party.


"The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good." Samuel Johnson
by MS01 Indie on Sun Jul 13, 2008 at 11:51:45 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Off Topic merits TR (1.75 / 4)

Not taking sides, although I do have one, but asking a commenter to stick to diarist's post is TR worthy?


Purity! Or else!
by ChitownDenny on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 02:28:58 PM EST
[ Parent ]

When the diarist (1.90 / 10)

is acting like a troll, I'd say anything goes.


Even John McCain lusts after teh engels.
by sricki on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 02:33:27 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: When the diarist (1.50 / 2)

Well, in that case, you used to be a troll.  I personally don't think so, but based on your reasoning,....


Purity! Or else!
by ChitownDenny on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 02:39:11 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I attacked the nominee after he (2.00 / 7)

became the nominee? Don't think so. I've raised a couple of questions about him, but I've written more diaries in support of him lately than most long-time Obama supporters around here.

You've mistaken my reasoning for something entirely unrelated: Your faulty reasoning, perhaps.

The diarist intends to be a troll.


Even John McCain lusts after teh engels.
by sricki on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 02:41:49 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I attacked the nominee after he (1.50 / 2)

Not gonna do:  "tit for tat".  My point is valid; diarist was TRd for asking commenter to stay on subject.  That is not TR worthy.  


Purity! Or else!
by ChitownDenny on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 02:44:48 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Your point was not valid. (2.00 / 3)

Comparing my conduct to that of the diarist is absurd -- the two are not equatable. Clearly, you missed my point entirely.

If you come to a site dedicated to electing Democrats and do nothing but bash the Democratic nominee for president, then you're always TR-worthy. Period.


Even John McCain lusts after teh engels.
by sricki on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 02:49:13 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Your point was not valid. (1.40 / 5)

Sricki, I enjoy your opinions.  In fact, I enjoy most opinions on this site, especially those that I don't agree with (to gain a different point of view).  And you don't need to tell me about coming to a site whose mission is "dedicated to electing Democrats".  I'm one of those who support that mission.  But that didn't stop many from TRing me during the primary wars.  Click on my username, read comments to my posts, if you are unaware of the abuse of TRing.  
And that's my point.  If you want to understand why someone is a PUMA, write the diary and pose the question.  But TRing because you ask the question in a diary of a different subject, well, IMO, that's abusing the ratings system.
Purity! Or else!
by ChitownDenny on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 03:01:16 PM EST
[ Parent ]

That's your opinion. (2.00 / 2)

Regardless, I'm not the one who TR'd her.


Even John McCain lusts after teh engels.
by sricki on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 03:14:48 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: That's your opinion. (none / 0)

I know.  I didn't call you out.  I didn't call anyone out.  You just happened to reply to my objection of the TR.


Purity! Or else!
by ChitownDenny on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 03:18:31 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Your point was not valid. (none / 0)

missliberties, you, too, are obviously unaware of the rules of the rating system!


Purity! Or else!
by ChitownDenny on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 03:41:40 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Your point was not valid. (none / 0)

et tu, hoot--te?


Purity! Or else!
by ChitownDenny on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 03:42:49 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Your point was not valid. (2.00 / 1)

And you are too!!  Why did you HR me down thread?


Toot, thank you for raising such a terrific person...You done good and we will have you in our hearts.
by hootie4170 on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 03:43:12 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Your point was not valid. (none / 0)

Anyone who wants to know who rec'd can simply click on a link at the top right corner of their screen.  What is your purpose for posting rec'ers?
Nevermind, I have dealt with your smear tactics long enough to know!  
Purity! Or else!
by ChitownDenny on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 03:46:39 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Your point was not valid. (2.00 / 1)

There's a rule that I am not allowed to post the names of people who rec'd this diary.  I must have missed, please show...


Toot, thank you for raising such a terrific person...You done good and we will have you in our hearts.
by hootie4170 on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 03:49:26 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Your point was not valid. (2.00 / 1)

Many, many of your comments during the primary were troll rating worthy...How soon you forget some of your classics.


Toot, thank you for raising such a terrific person...You done good and we will have you in our hearts.
by hootie4170 on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 11:54:05 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Off Topic merits TR (1.33 / 3)

And why don't you quit *sticking" your nose into her business?


Toot, thank you for raising such a terrific person...You done good and we will have you in our hearts.
by hootie4170 on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 02:53:21 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Off Topic merits TR (2.00 / 1)

Why don't you?????


Purity! Or else!
by ChitownDenny on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 03:02:07 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Off Topic merits TR (1.00 / 2)

I jumped in to even it up...I keep forgetting though, you haven't had an original thought on mydd since...well...since...forever!  Who is the shepherd of this one not flock now?  Or do you get all your direction from Flowbee?


Toot, thank you for raising such a terrific person...You done good and we will have you in our hearts.
by hootie4170 on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 03:18:29 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Off Topic merits TR (1.50 / 2)

Im sure sricki, and others, rely on your intervention.  Gosh, if I read this comment correctly, sricki can't have a thought that in and of itself is defensible without you.  
You're just G-R-R-R-E-A-T.  n/t
Purity! Or else!
by ChitownDenny on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 03:21:10 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Off Topic merits TR (2.00 / 1)

BE STILL!


Toot, thank you for raising such a terrific person...You done good and we will have you in our hearts.
by hootie4170 on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 03:26:55 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Off Topic merits TR (1.50 / 2)

I will "BE STILL!" when you are.  Last word from me on this subject!


Purity! Or else!
by ChitownDenny on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 03:32:38 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: No, it isn't off topic (2.00 / 1)

I constantly oppose Obama and it has nothing to do with "PUMA" (been to the site once) and everything to do with Obama.


by soyousay on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 03:27:02 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Maybe you should join PUMA. (2.00 / 2)

Then at least you'll have proper allies. If you don't want to do that, RedState is always an option.


Even John McCain lusts after teh engels.
by sricki on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 03:29:34 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I don't need allies (2.00 / 1)

I don't need to join a club to feel included in society. I don't need to be loyal to any politician that really hasn't proven anything to me...thanks anyway.


by soyousay on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 03:38:12 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Who said I was part of PUMA? (2.00 / 1)

Though it pains me to do it....
uprated because the comment is not HR worthy.
(I just threw up a little bit)
by Kysen on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 03:31:41 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Public Approval - Passive Bystander (2.00 / 14)

CATFISH THANK YUOU FOR POSTING THIS DIARY!!!! YOU ARE SO RIGHT THAT OBAMA MAKES $$$$$$ OFF HATING WOMEN WHICH IS JUST WHAT HE DID IN THE PIRMARY!!!! HE IS AS MISOGINIST AS RUSH OR IMUS!!!! I CANT BELEIVE THIS GUY!!! IM VOTING 4 MCCAIN NOT THIS LOOSER LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL!!!


by Johnny Gentle Famous Crooner on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 01:48:04 PM EST
[ Parent ]

And with Obama (1.40 / 5)

there's no principle worth making a scene over.

Not respect for women.

Not respect for the Constitution.

Nothing.

The New Democratic Coalition:  Keeping up appearances.

***A


by adrienne4dean on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 02:29:33 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: "Scales"? (1.85 / 7)

catfish is better than this?


Saxby Chambliss: Asshat
by mikeinsf on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 01:06:43 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: "Scales"? (2.00 / 3)

Since when?


by vadasz on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 04:33:27 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Everyone knows what "messin with" means (2.00 / 4)

You can go to the urban dictionary, for heaven's sake.  It's right there, it means "I was just fooling."

And it's an old phrase.  I'm 59 today (whoopee) and I've heard it on the street for decades.

Have you know moral sense?  Or is it all support your candidate no matter what he does or says?

So you don't care that Obama got in on the demeaning of women?

I guess not.


by strongerthandirt on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 01:11:33 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Happy Birthday. (2.00 / 4)

and thanks for the definition.


by catfish2 on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 01:14:15 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Uh, are you talking to me? (2.00 / 2)

Or did you reply to the wrong comment?


Even John McCain lusts after teh engels.
by sricki on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 01:14:58 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: "Scales"? (2.00 / 4)

"Scales fall from your eyes"

Meaning:
When the scales fall from your eyes, you suddenly realise the truth about something.

http://www.usingenglish.com/reference/id ioms/scales+fall+from+your+eyes.html

From the Bible (Acts 9:18)
American Standard Version
And straightway there fell from his eyes as it were scales, and he received his sight; and he arose and was baptized;

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index? qid=20080627101857AAe2T4D

***A


by adrienne4dean on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 02:09:03 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Thanks, gotcha. (2.00 / 5)

I haven't read the Bible since I was 11.


Even John McCain lusts after teh engels.
by sricki on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 02:11:03 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Thanks, gotcha. (none / 0)

Hopefully because it's a bunch of made up myths.


by ProgressiveDL on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 04:53:50 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Precisely. (none / 0)

Reading the Bible inspired me to reject Christianity. Go figure.


Even John McCain lusts after teh engels.
by sricki on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 04:54:59 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Precisely. (none / 0)

Same here.  Well that and all the pre-Biblical myths (like Gilgamesh) that are, to me, clear contributions.  

I have respect for belief in God (though I disagree with it), but not much respect for organized religion the way it currently exists.


by ProgressiveDL on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 10:25:21 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Your comment makes me sad (2.00 / 1)

I know you were a Hillary supporter and you're in a younger set.

When a presidential candidate comes on after that and praises the man as the King of Comedy, it's tacit approval.


by catfish2 on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 12:57:55 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Your comment makes me sad (2.00 / 8)

Does enjoying the Three Stooges imply tacit approval of physical abuse? Does enjoying the double entendres of Groucho Marx mean one is a misogynist? Does laughing at a routine by Tommy Chong say that one approves of teenage marijuana use? Does laughing heartily at Richard Pryor's impersonations of white people mean that one is some kind of "reverse racist?"

I will say that your attempt to brand Obama as some kind of woman-hater because of a routine by a popular comedian is pretty laughable.

It also reveals your tone-deafness to African-American humor in particular. No surprise there, though.


"This victory alone is not the change we seek -- it is only the chance for us to make that change." -- Nov. 4, 2008
by BobzCat on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 03:21:14 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Blacks can call women whores (1.00 / 3)

but whites can't? What's up with that? That sounds pretty racist to me, like black women are less deserving of respect.


by catfish2 on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 04:01:47 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Blacks can call women whores (2.00 / 3)

It is beyond obvious that your only intent is to stir dissent.
The definition of a Troll.
by Kysen on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 04:13:34 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Blacks can call women whores (2.00 / 1)

Wow! Since when did dissent become a bad thing--especially for anyone on the Left?  Enlighten me please!  

This is why I hate the term "troll"--it is anti-democratic!


by trixta on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 05:55:47 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Blacks can call women whores (none / 0)

Yawn....Do you copy and paste that comment on every thread?


Toot, thank you for raising such a terrific person...You done good and we will have you in our hearts.
by hootie4170 on Sun Jul 13, 2008 at 12:00:05 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Your comment makes me sad (2.00 / 2)

Can you find some examples from this century?

Given the heated nature of this campaign, you'd think Bernie Mac would have some sense. And if not, that Obama would.


by SophieL on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 05:23:19 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Are you joking? (2.00 / 1)

A comedian works his routing out ahead of time, knows exactly what he's going to say, but he didn't "intend" to hurt anybody with a joke like that. It doesn't matter who you hurt if you're just trying to be funny? And yes, John McCain calling his wife a cunt is just as bad. But one isn't ok just because Obama thought it was, while the other is beyond the pale because it was said by his opponent.


by georgiapeach on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 02:00:03 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Are you joking? (2.00 / 6)

He didn't approve.

And actually calling someone a cunt isn't "just as bad." It's a whole helluva lot worse.


Even John McCain lusts after teh engels.
by sricki on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 02:08:12 PM EST
[ Parent ]

When does cunt count? (none / 0)

Frankly, I wouldn't keep quoting that story., because it doesn't seem to have any reliable sourcing.

There is just one guy (Cliff Schecter) who says McCain called his wife a cunt & a trollop, and then he says some reporters also heard it but don't want to be quoted by name. Also, there is no tape of McCain saying that.  Nor was it reported in the print media at the time. Plus AFAIR, it's from the early '90's. 1992 I think?

McCain has done and said enough bad stuff without using a bogus, scurrilous rumor.  Bomb,bomb, bomb Iran, for example.


"There are two kinds of statistics: the kind you look up and the kind you make up" --Rex Stout
by LIsoundview on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 06:11:48 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I have read other sources (none / 0)

that said Obama did indeed tell Bernie Mac that he was going to have to clean up his act, and reminding him that it was a family affair, but then followed up those comments with "I'm just messin' with ya". And I still think that just because McCain said something worse doesn't excuse what Bernie Mac said.


by georgiapeach on Sun Jul 13, 2008 at 10:31:14 AM EST
[ Parent ]

WTF?! (2.00 / 4)

You are equating calling your real live wife a c>nt to her face in front of a reporter to not disapproving strongly enough to a comedian who used the word "ho" in a joke.

seriously.  holy shit.


Sexism is real.
by grassrootsorganizer on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 03:01:08 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I'm not equating anything. (none / 0)

Unless you think that saying both examples are unacceptable qualifies as equating.


by georgiapeach on Sun Jul 13, 2008 at 10:33:58 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Are you joking? (2.00 / 1)

Benie Mac (with an assist form Obama) was yesterday. McCain's (who I do NOT support) trangression was like 15 years ago.


by SophieL on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 05:26:41 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Are you joking? (none / 0)

So if I committed murder 15 years ago it isn't as bad as if I committed it yesterday...huh...good to know.  Maybe I should come clean.


Toot, thank you for raising such a terrific person...You done good and we will have you in our hearts.
by hootie4170 on Sun Jul 13, 2008 at 12:02:43 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Zero-tolerence (2.00 / 2)

We have advanced the cause of equal rights for African Americans by adopting a policy of zero-tolerence for remarks that could even be remotely considered racist.  Yet, for some reason, Americans have come to believe that equal rights for women is compatabile with the ubiquitous sexualizing of women.  Given the experience of the last couple of months, this dichotomy is not longer tenable.


by dbrown04 on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 02:32:03 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Zero-tolerence (2.00 / 2)

Then don't listen...It's America, turn the effing channel or read a book for Crise sake.


Toot, thank you for raising such a terrific person...You done good and we will have you in our hearts.
by hootie4170 on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 02:56:22 PM EST
[ Parent ]

If these jokes had been about race (2.00 / 2)

and spoken at a Clinton event, I'm willing to bet you would be jumping down Hillary's throat.


by dbrown04 on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 03:37:24 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: If these jokes had been about race (2.00 / 3)

You don't know a damn thing about me, so leave your forecasting talents to some other schmuck...


Toot, thank you for raising such a terrific person...You done good and we will have you in our hearts.
by hootie4170 on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 04:55:37 PM EST
[ Parent ]

What's good for the goose (2.00 / 2)

You are more than willing to reject the diarist's thesis not based on substance, but based on your conjecture concerning her/his motivations in writing.  Yet you don't want me to do the same to you.  Some people call that a double standard.


by dbrown04 on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 06:27:54 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: What's good for the goose (2.00 / 2)

You're nothing more than an enabler.


Toot, thank you for raising such a terrific person...You done good and we will have you in our hearts.
by hootie4170 on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 08:21:55 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I prefer debates on substance (none / 0)

If that's enabling, so be it.


by dbrown04 on Sun Jul 13, 2008 at 10:36:26 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Wow (2.00 / 1)

Did you even READ the jokes? Unless English is one's second language I'd think the references to "Black" stood out rather clearly.


by Neef on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 03:46:10 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Zero-tolerence (2.00 / 1)

Thank you.  

That, in a nutshell, explains the anger and frustrations of women during this primary season.


I have yet to see what [Obama] has done to take the highest office in the land. He is no Martin Luther King. --Helen Thomas
by ghost 2 on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 05:56:28 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Zero-tolerence (none / 0)

Why do you HR all Obama supporters troll?


Toot, thank you for raising such a terrific person...You done good and we will have you in our hearts.
by hootie4170 on Sun Jul 13, 2008 at 12:04:34 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Okay, some of those jokes (2.00 / 1)

Are you simply dense.  Or did you miss the "messin".


by Tolstoy on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 02:56:55 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I'm sorry, (2.00 / 2)

can you not read? Should have read the rest of my comments before you jumped my case.


Even John McCain lusts after teh engels.
by sricki on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 03:17:44 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Okay, some of those jokes (2.00 / 2)

I've agreed with you some in the past -- but your response is really quite shameful.

A comedian's routine is not meant to hurt anyone? If not, then why make fun of people based on gender? Why make tasteless jokes? Just for a laugh -- excuse me but we've been laughing at the expense of others for far too long.

It's as if this character hadn't noticed the vitriolic sexism of the primaries -- or maybe he's just too dumb to notice. He goes on to make women the target and he doesn't let up as if he'd been given free reign to do so.

And what's more -- he isn't really, effectively challenged for this. Some bland statement (only after a really warm acceptance of what he'd said) is absolutely worthless.

I disagree that his comments were not hateful -- I think they were. Would you have thought so if a white comedian had made similar jokes about African Americans? Or, if any comedian had made similar jokes about Jews or Gays or the Elderly or the Handicapped?

If not then I think you need to review your standards.


by cuppajoe on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 03:40:08 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Bernie Mac is an A-Hole! (2.00 / 2)

Are you kidding?  Often comedians (or, similarly, media personalities such as Rush Limbaugh) vent their spleen or hate--either literally or satirically--under the guise of a joke, which is supposed to make the message or meaning okay.  But the result of a joke can be harmful!  Recall Randi Rhodes calling Sen Clinton and Geraldine Ferraro "F....g whores! She claims "it was just a joke," but this is just an excuse to absolve herself of the harm her words conveyed.

In other words, to disassociate meaning from intent is a lame excuse for not taking responsibility for your own words, thoughts, actions and their NET EFFECT. No doubt, the comedian wants the laugh, but the "joke", in effect, conveys a specific message to a  specific audience.  (Without this specificity there  would be no joke.)  Unfortunately, Obama and his supporters  were the target audience here.  Imagine if McCain and his supporters hired at a fund raiser a comedian to make fun of African Americans or any other racial or ethnic group.  Would you accept "intent" ["it's just a joke"!] as an excuse?    

Bernie Mac's words are on par with Imus', in my view, for their net effect.  But given the kind of campaign that Obama ran during the primaries-- which fostered an insidious element of misogyny to rally his troops, as it were--it doesn't surprise me that he condones this sort of talk.  

This said, I am a strong believer in the 1st Amendment -- and I also believe that Bernie Mac is an A-Hole for this hateful language!


by trixta on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 04:16:58 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Bernie Mac is an A-Hole! (2.00 / 2)

Suck it up.

Bernie Mac is funny.  

Randi is a freaking woman and can say whatever the hell she wants about Hillary.  Ferraro was acting like an idiot and that was her point.

Right wing White dudes don't get to joke about race in the same way that African American comedians do because of CONTEXT.  Comparing Bernie Mac to Don Imus has got to be one of the dumbest things I've ever heard.


by Renie on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 05:06:14 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Bernie Mac is an A-Hole! (2.00 / 1)

I'll leave that oral fixation to those who still have an infantile understanding of gender politics and civil rights in this country.

In any case, faulting thinking makes for unfortunate rationalization about gender and racial bias, as your post demonstrates.

Women--patriarchal women proper, Pod Feminists, or simply those who have no historical understanding of sexism in this country, that is--can be just as sexist or misogynist as men, as this primary season has certainly proved!

Bernie Mac is still an A-Hole(!)--and this from someone who actually watched and liked his show--and from someone who has fought and marched for civil rights.  Mr. Mac has the first-Amendment right to spew his sexist views and I have a right to object.  But don't ask me to buy the "it-was-just-a-joke" excuse!  Just as I don't buy the remark, "I would like to see a woman president, but just not this one (meaning HRC).  Such a loaded claim betrays an insidious sexism on par with the comment, "But many of my friends are black . . . ", a linguistic tag which usually follows a racist comment.


by trixta on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 05:31:07 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Oh please (2.00 / 3)

I was raised by a feminist and grew up going to NOW rallies.  

If anything is keeping women from achieving all that they're capable of in this country it is the feminists who are so over the top with their rhetoric that they turn people off and make people actually give credence to right wingers who feed off of peoples' annoyance and turn them into idiots who rant about "feminazis."

It's just like vegetarianism.  I don't eat meat, but nothing made me want to eat steak more than when I lived with an animal rights activist who wouldn't shut up.  Sometimes zealotry does more to hurt a cause than it does to advance it.  If you can't discern context and choose to get offended by everyone and everything, people who enjoy a little comedy now and then will not want to listen to anything you have to say, even on the occasions that you do make a valid point.

The idea that it is impossible that there were people out there who had reasons other than anti-feminism to vote against Hillary is absolutely ridiculous.  I WOULD love to see a woman president, but NO, I didn't particularly want this one.  That had more to do with her voting record and campaign style than anything else.  I have said and will continue to believe that if she now works to advance the platform she outlined during the campaign and supports truly progressive causes I will happily vote for her in eight years.  I'm sick and tired of Democrats who cave to Republican pressure.  I don't like it in Obama, and it really pissed me off that Hillary failed to provide a strong opposition voice to the Bush administration over the past seven years.

Everything does not always revolve around feminism.


by Renie on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 07:46:39 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Oh please (2.00 / 2)

Don't feed that troll. : )

trixa is a joke (see past comments)


Welcome to a landslide WITH white working class, latinos, women and holding on sweeties!!!
by spacemanspiff on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 07:51:39 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Okay, some of those jokes (none / 0)

Actually, the Imus routine was also supposed to be comedy, but wasn't funny either.  

Furthermore, the Imus routine was a one time joke.  This is Bernie Mac's regular material.  Whomever booked him knew exactly what they were getting.

This is from 2006.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RviYo3Wsq jU


"There are two kinds of statistics: the kind you look up and the kind you make up" --Rex Stout
by LIsoundview on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 05:46:43 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Okay, some of those jokes (2.00 / 2)

No, Imus has been doing that mush mouth thing for years.  A black athlete gets mentioned on the news, his crew starts laughing, and so it goes.


by MeganLocke on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 08:45:41 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Okay, some of those jokes (none / 0)

Yes, Imus has been not funny for years.


"There are two kinds of statistics: the kind you look up and the kind you make up" --Rex Stout
by LIsoundview on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 10:52:34 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Didn't Obama (2.00 / 3)

throw this guy under the bus?  I see a statement here that Obama threw Mac overboard in private.  The title of the article that you cited is that "Obama doesn't appreciate joke at fundraiser."


by Blazers Edge on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 01:01:27 PM EST

Called him the King of Comedy after routine (2.00 / 1)

Maybe his PR person sent a formal statement hours later.


by catfish2 on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 01:03:23 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Maybe? (2.00 / 6)

That's speculation; your problem seems to be with the phrase "I'm just messing with you."

The pool reporter described Obama's paragraph as designed to diffuse the situation from my reading of the Reuters article.


by Blazers Edge on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 01:05:23 PM EST
[ Parent ]

And calling him the King of Comedy after the (none / 0)

routine.


by catfish2 on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 01:06:25 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: And calling him the King of Comedy after the (2.00 / 6)

Huh?  Mac's routine probably hit on a lot of things that probably were actually funny.  Isn't this similar to all those politicians that joked about testicular fortitude during the leadup to the Indiana/North Carolina primary.


by Blazers Edge on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 01:09:06 PM EST
[ Parent ]

That's a good point. (2.00 / 7)

The "testicular fortitude" jokes were incredibly sexist and homophobic to boot.

Catfish, please provide a link to the news stories in which Hillary Clinton publicly rebuked the people who made those jokes with her on stage.


Join the Matthew 25 Network and help Democrats win the next generation of evangelicals.
by mistersite on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 01:22:14 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: And calling him the King of Comedy after the (2.00 / 7)

"Kings Comedy" was the name of the tour Bernie Mac did with Steve Harvey, Cedric the Entertainer and DL Hughley. Obama didn't just make that up.


by Johnny Gentle Famous Crooner on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 01:46:15 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: And calling him the King of Comedy after the (2.00 / 3)

Yes Obama appears to be very familiar with the Kings of Comedy humor. It is R-rated humor.

It makes it even more surprising he or a someone on his staff didn't ask Bernie Mac to clean up his act in advance.


"No self-respecting woman should wish or work for the success of a party that ignores her." - Susan B. Anthony
by feelfree on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 02:06:22 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: And calling him the King of Comedy after the (2.00 / 5)

OOOhhh My God...R-rated humor?  For the love of Pete, doesn't Obama know he isn't allowed to view any R-rated movies...WTF is he thinking? That he's 46 or something?  He needs to stick with Disney movie and maybe a PG movie every now and then.


Toot, thank you for raising such a terrific person...You done good and we will have you in our hearts.
by hootie4170 on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 02:38:04 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: And calling him the King of Comedy after the (2.00 / 3)

It was a fundraiser for the freaking presumptive Democratic nominee for the President of the United States of America.

Are you saying this is the appropriate venue for "ho" jokes?


"No self-respecting woman should wish or work for the success of a party that ignores her." - Susan B. Anthony
by feelfree on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 02:56:16 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: And calling him the King of Comedy after the (2.00 / 3)

I'm saying you have too much time on your hands.  When you go to comedy show there is an expectation that some comedians use taboo material in their routine.  You come to know these comedians and their act, if you don't like it don't pay for a ticket or turn off HBO.

Freakin Jack Nicholson endorsed HRC and she called him very "dedicated to his craft".  Jack is the biggest womanizer in LA and has treated women like shit for years. Should HRC reject and denounce him.  Get a freakin life!


Toot, thank you for raising such a terrific person...You done good and we will have you in our hearts.
by hootie4170 on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 03:01:05 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: And calling him the King of Comedy after the (2.00 / 3)

Okay...you're a defender of "ho" jokes at venues to fundraise for Obama.

When someone tells 'n' word jokes in his presence and then says I'm just messin' with you, I hope you're consistent.

That's all.


"No self-respecting woman should wish or work for the success of a party that ignores her." - Susan B. Anthony
by feelfree on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 03:28:42 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: And calling him the King of Comedy after the (2.00 / 2)

BE STILL!


Toot, thank you for raising such a terrific person...You done good and we will have you in our hearts.
by hootie4170 on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 03:36:40 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: And calling him the King of Comedy after the (2.00 / 1)

er...Kings OF Comedy, that is.


by Johnny Gentle Famous Crooner on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 04:04:09 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Let's see (2.00 / 10)

the economy is tanking, people are losing their jobs, people are dying while waiting for medical care in emergency rooms, our government is busy bailing out bad business decisions by companies but won't help individuals with mortgages because they made "bad decisions."

we have a candidate who has voted against equal pay, a president who would rather see AIDS infect women than support condom distribution and education in Africa and Asia...

we have a current government that is fundamentally corrupt in every way possible and the number 1 diary on the frakkin recommend list is some sore Hillary supporter yakking on about some distasteful comedy routine.

Catfish2, take your crap elsewhere. I just don't give a damn and I have a Democratic president I need to get elected so that our next president isn't the idiot McCain freaking out in front of the cameras for 19 seconds when he is asked about Viagra and birth control.


by batgirl71 on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 02:33:58 PM EST
[ Parent ]

The bully pulpit (none / 0)

matters. And carries a lot of influence.

You can vote for equal pay and refer to your Senatorial colleagues as "cutie" female reporters as "sweetie" refer to your worthy adversary as "Mrs. Clinton" instead of "Senator" or "Hillary" all you want.

And you can vote against a law that enforces equal pay, arguing market forces are a better way to achieve meritocracy, and instead place accomplished women in vocal, high-profile, visible positions in your campaign.


by catfish2 on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 02:39:22 PM EST
[ Parent ]

just keep lying (2.00 / 10)

to yourself that John McCain will be better for women than Obama. Your support for McCain is clear. You have the right to post here but I don't think you belong here. What I want to know is what a post by an anti-Obama McCain voter is doing on the top of the rec list?

Go back to Alegre's Corner where you all think that your protest matters. Like I said, I have more important matters to worry about.


by batgirl71 on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 02:46:05 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Called him the King of Comedy after routine (none / 0)

More W.O.R.M.  I hate worms.  Icky cretures.


by Tolstoy on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 02:58:09 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Called him the King of Comedy after routine (2.00 / 1)

BE STILL!


Toot, thank you for raising such a terrific person...You done good and we will have you in our hearts.
by hootie4170 on Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 03:37:12 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Didn't Obama (2.00 / 5)

It was probably exactly the same thing, only said a bit more clearly: "Seriously, could you clean it up a bit if we do it again?" And Bernie Mac probably said "Yeah, no problem" and that was the end of it.


"Hey, check it out. You just had yourself a glue OD. So you're learning another lesson.