MSNBC's Scarborough highlighted O'Reilly's comments about Sylvia's in Harlem
On the September 25 edition of MSNBC's Morning Joe, host Joe Scarborough, co-anchor Mika Brzezinski, and guest host Willie Geist discussed Fox News host Bill O'Reilly's recent comment, documented by Media Matters for America, that he, in Scarborough's words, "couldn't get over the fact that there was no difference between a black restaurant and a white restaurant," after a recent trip to Harlem's famous restaurant Sylvia's. Scarborough twice played audio clips of O'Reilly's comments, made on the September 19 broadcast of his nationally syndicated radio show. Scarborough called the remarks "shocking" and "fascinating," and added, "I'm sure we're going to be hearing more about that throughout the day." Scarborough also highlighted O'Reilly's comment that everyone at the restaurant was "tremendously respectful," to which Geist responded: "And Sylvia's of all places, which is like world famous, great restaurant. He was still surprised." From the September 25 edition of MSNBC's Morning Joe:
SCARBOROUGH: You know, I just heard the most fascinating clip in my ear. Bill O'Reilly, on the syndicated talk show, on September the 19th, was describing a lunch with the Reverend Al Sharpton, and I will say no more; I'm just going to play it and let you be the judge of what he said.
O'REILLY [audio clip]: You know, I was up in Harlem a few weeks ago, and I actually had dinner with Al Sharpton, who is a very, very interesting guy, and he comes on The Factor a lot, and I treated him to dinner because he's made himself available to us, and I felt that I wanted to take him up there. And we went to Sylvia's, a very famous restaurant in Harlem. I had a great time. And all the people up there are tremendously respectful, they all watch The Factor. You know, when Sharpton and I walked in, it was, like, big commotion and everything, but everybody was very nice. And I couldn't get over the fact that there was no difference between Sylvia's restaurant and any other restaurant in New York City. I mean, it was -- it was exactly the same, even though it's run by blacks, primarily black patronship; it was the same. And that's really what this society is all about, now, here in the U.S.A. There's no difference. There's no difference. You know, we -- there may be a cultural entertainment people --
SCARBOROGH: Now, Stop that for a second.
O'REILLY: -- may gravitate toward different cultural entertainment.
SCARBOROUGH: I want you to -- stop that for a second. I want you to rewind that back. I want to play that again.
BREZEZINSKI: I think I heard it, I just need to hear it again.
GEIST: He sounded surprised that it was --
BREZEZINSKI: Yeah.
GEIST: -- like, civilized; that they had waiters and tablecloths.
SCARBOROUGH: I wrote this down. He said, "I couldn't get over the fact that there was no difference" between a restaurant run by people of color.
BREZEZINSKI: No, he didn't say that. Have we misunderstood?
SCARBOROUGH: Well, let's -- let's play it again.
BREZEZINSKI: OK.
SCARBOROUGH: I'm serious, this is the first time we're hearing this.
O'REILLY [audio clip]: You know, I was up in Harlem a few weeks ago, and I actually had dinner with Al Sharpton, who is a very, very interesting guy, and he comes on The Factor a lot, and I treated him to dinner because he's made himself available to us, and I felt that I wanted to take him up there. And we went to Sylvia's, a very famous restaurant in Harlem. I had a great time. And all the people up there are tremendously respectful, they all watch The Factor. You know, when Sharpton and I walked in, it was, like, big commotion and everything, but everybody was very nice. And I couldn't get over the fact that there was no difference between Sylvia's restaurant and any other restaurant in New York City. I mean it was -- it was exactly the same, even though it's run by blacks, primarily black patronship; it was the same. And that's really what this society is all about, now --
SCARBOROUGH: So, uh, anyway, he said --
O'REILLY [audio clip]: --here in the USA. There's no difference.
SCARBOROUGH: he said --
BRZEZINSKI: Oh, my God.
SCARBOROUGH: He could not --
BRZEZINSKI: Wow.
SCARBOROUGH: -- get over the fact that -- his words -- he could not get over the fact that there was no difference between that black restaurant and any other restaurant despite the fact -- his words -- despite the fact it was run by black people --
BREZEZINSKI: Hmm.
SCARBOROUGH: -- and the primary patrons --
BREZEZINSKI: That's attractive.
SCARBOROUGH: -- were black people.
GEIST: Sounds like Bill doesn't get up to Harlem a whole lot.
SCARBOROUGH: I don't think he does
BRZEZINSKI: It sounds like a lot of things are going on there, that I, I, I --
GEIST: Also using the term 'blacks." I don't think anybody's said that since like 1973.
SCARBOROUGH: Well, that, you know, it's just -- it's very surprising that, that Bill O'Reilly would be stunned that you could go to a restaurant that is run by African Americans, and that it would be, his words again, "I couldn't get over the fact that there was no difference between a black restaurant and a white restaurant."
GEIST: What, what was he expecting? You walk in, and they throw the food in the middle of the room and everybody just -- it's a free for all. What did he think was going to happen?
SCARBOROUGH: I don't know, he also was surprised that they were quote "tremendously respectful."
BRZEZINSKI: Oh great, here we go.
GEIST: Wow
BRZEZINSKI: I believe, whatever, it seems a little bit --
SCARBOROUGH: That's just strange. That's all I'm gonna say. Listen, O'Reilly is the king of cable, he's been number one for six years. That is fascinating, by the way, and I'm sure we're going to be hearing more about that throughout the day
GEIST: And Sylvia's of all places, which is, like, world famous, great restaurant. He was still surprised.
SCARBOROUGH: He could not get over the fact that there was no difference, even though the restaurant was run by black people.
BRZEZINSKI: Yeah, thanks, Bill O'Reilly. Alrighty.
SCARBOROUGH: It is shocking. So, I've got chills right now, going up and down my back. I'm gonna throw it over to you all and think I'm gonna take a shower.
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Bill OReilly is wrong, but for Scarborough to exploit this for his show is wrong. This is a man who flips flops more than pancakes. I do not believe a word Scarborough says , to me is a a 100% complete fraud. Obviously MSNBC wants to exploit this, they want to try and damage OReilly. The network that allowed Imus for 10 years, and still has no African American presense in the 6-9am time slot. Real class act MSNBC. Practice what you preach then we can take you seriously.
At the same time, I wouldn't mind a pecking party amongst these scoundrels. When there is so little perspective and opposition from the left, I don't mind when they start to eat their own.
I had similar thoughts. This looks like maybe MSNBC is perpetuating a feud with O'Reilly. Not that I mind...I think O'Reilly is a hypocritical blowhard, and deserves all the digs he gets.
It's hard to figure Joe out, though. Just yesterday, he was dutifully reciting the GOP script on the Moveon.org ad, even though Arianna Huffington pointed out to him the obvious fact that it's a GOP-generated controversy.
This is no surprise. Whenever O'Reilly's mouth gets him into hot water, his competitors jump on it - not for any useful thoughtful commentary, but rather a little "stick-it-to-him" comeuppance.
If Bill's ratings were below theirs, there would be no need to mention him.
I could not agree more. What gets me most about Joe is his two faced BS. His record on Iraq stands by itself. To me he is as bad as OReilly. You make up a great point, why does MSNBC not have an African American on especially after the Imus incident?
JLyons, you hit it on the nail! I feel the EXACT same way towards Scarborough. In fact, I think at times he can be just as bad as O'Reilly. Just last week he took Isiah Thomas's sexist remarks, and in so many words, said that Thomas's vulgarity was the exemplification of how other black men treat their women. Matthew Felling and Mika just sat there and said nothing, I think they were more stunned than anything else he would leap that far and make such a suggestion. But him hatin' on O'Reilly is just another way for him to build up his ratings. Both Abrams and Scarborough noticed how it worked wonders for Keith, so they're following his example.
And what happened to John Ridley? Though I have as much use for Ridley as I do for Scarborough, I wonder why he hasn't co-hosted the show with Scarborough for months?
I agree. I have emailed MSNBC asking why no African American has been given a show , Alison Stewarts show was even cancelled. It is an outrage. If MSNBC wants to act high and mighty about race relations why do they not make a change on their schedule?
I wonder about that too. Hell, at least CNN gave Rick Sanchez his own show in the 8pm timeslot. I've watched Morning Joe a few weeks ago when Tamron Hall was co-hosting with Joe and Willie, and I think she blended in with those two perfectly. But I guess some at MSNBC feel that Mika is far more engaging.
Oh, snap! How is bill gonna say it was a Media Matters hit job now? His fellow conservatives are turning on him!
On an old Scarborough country Scarborough said he was insulted by Bill's assertion that there were no conservatives at MSNBC, I think Bill already questions Scarborough's conservative credentials because he works for the devil that is MSNBC. This is going to get pretty funny if it goes any further because Bill doesn't take kindly to any kind of criticism and he's going to come back fighting. Scarborough better watch his back.
Who is this Brezinski bozo? She added nothing intelligent whatsoever to the dialogue and seemed loathe to acknoweldge the overt racist statements until the clip was replayed. Typical of repugs! As a black man I am so offended. I hope this comes up in the Morgan State debate, oh wait that's not happening because all the repugs are too busy raising money. Note to the GOP: We black people have money too and as O'Reilly said "We's a startin' to think fo' ourselves."
Brezinski is the token "liberal" co-host. I think her father is Zbigniew Brezinski, who worked in the Carter Administration. She seems nice enough, but I seriously doubt her "liberalness", or her intelligence, after watching her parrot the GOP script about the Moveon.org ad.
Thanks Nerzog. And btw, Chris Wallace is the spawn of real journalist Mike Wallace. Ronnie Reagan is the son of "he who's name must not be spoken" for us black folk. So the apple does sometimes fall pretty far from the tree.
Mr. O'Reilly and like non-thinkers: origionally I thought your comments were a matter of inapporpriate attention seeking, something an ADHD child might engag in; however, your commentary doesn't deserve to be linked with honest misstakes by a child who might not know better.
Apparently, you've watched Roots recently, and your responses were just over-exuberance and shock and awe at someone other than people of your ilk actually havig dinner in a refined manner; I assure you, there are black people everywhere who are just as refined at their own dinner tables. Besides, rapping is a rather recent attempt to enslave young blacks by the white power structure(why, that's you!) and to make money off their backs, all the while encouraging them to become more vile and distant from every black man to make more money for you, nevermind that they're degrading and embarrassing themselves. So, the next time you happen to visit Sylvia's, do this: walk in with one pant leg rolled up, your hair slicked back with a cigarette over one ear, wearing your backwards facing ball cap, and treat everyone like you thought you'd be treated. Can you say, find the door?
The perfect MSNBC...
At the kids' table: Scarborough and Tucker
At the grownups' table: Olbermann and a new Shuster Show
Wandering around drooling on everyone's food: Tweety
In the garbage can: every single one of their I-cut-out-her-heart-and-stomped-on-it piece of crap crime shows
Dan, are you listening?
Dan Abrams has stepped down as head of MSNBC to concentrate on his new show at 9pm.
that sucks...I can't stand Dan Abrams show! It's too bad they haven't moved Scarborough back to 9pm...isn't he more valuable in primetime anyway?
Anyone who's been watching Scarborough for awhile now knows that he has a running feud with O'Reilly, so this was no surprise. And he should jump all over him anyway because it was a really stupid thing to say. Rick Sanchez, who's a total loser, is also getting in the game for CNN, but they need to do anything they can to get some ratings at 8pm...
Jeremy I feel the same way. I don't think Scarborough translate that well in the morning as he did in the 7-8 timeslot. If MSNBC were smart, they would replace Morning Joe with Ed Shultz. Then again, they would be too afraid of being labled a "far left outfit" by O'Reilly and co.
Joe would do or say anything to keep that job.
I have watched his show from time to time and his opinions change as the wind blows. Not an original thought to be found. What a waste of a great time slot.
Pearlene, did I ever mention you are brilliant?
Kromecom, thank you and don't think that I'm not showing this post to my kids. ;-)
MSNBC Do the correct thing
Fire or replace Scarborugh and put an African American in that time slot. Imus caused enough trouble.
Billo Reilly has a standard response to all his critics: "My TV ratings are bigger than all my competitors combined. They can all kiss my big Irish ass. Especially, Keith Olbermann."
It's funny, because here on a left-wing website, Scarborough gets accused of towing the Republican line. But if you go on right-wing websites like Newsbusters or Free Republic, the bloggers call Scarborough a left-leaning RINO/closet liberal. I guess the guy can't win. At least, unlike O'Reilly, Joe can be critical of Bush and the Republican Party and can sometimes be nice to liberals. So I don't think Scarborough is quite as bad as O'Reilly. It does annoys me, though, that, like O'Reilly, he claims to be centrist but is really part of the Far Right.
"And all the people up there are tremendously respectful, they all watch The Factor. "
I guess this is what drives O'Reilly's belief that African-Americans are "thinking for themselves" more these days?? LOL.
Bill-o thought the folks at Sylvia's were "tremendously respectful." Just like good n---ers should be, right Bill?? (rolling eyes)
Thank god the folks at Sylvia's Knew Their Place, Bill.
@ JLyons, NERZOG, TOMMY, PRESTON_P, DORISRUSSEL, and similar ilk:
The lot of you are idiots. Your comments are all attacking/focusing on Scarborough rather then the real topic. The only thing close to a critical comment from you [plural] was 'whenever O'Reilly's mouth gets him into hot water'. Which isn't actually critical of what Bill O said, especially followed by 'his competitors jump all over it'. Absolutely amazing!! After reading the shows transcript, and listening to the audio, this is what you decide to comment on? Your stupidity knows no bounds...
Morons
Wow, thanks for your words of wisdom there, pal. You sure told us a thing or two. *rolls eyes*
Sadly, I think not.
Your [plural] 'arguments', and I'm actually being charitable calling them that, all boil down to one thing..."PLEASE for the love of Saint Reagan, don't pay attention to the racist pig behind the curtain. Instead we must attack anyone that tries to pull the curtain back."
To me, that's the defacto response whenever, O'Reilly/Beck/Coulter/[insert repulsive RW personality/shill here] says this sort of thing.
What's truly reprehensible to me is that, after reading O'Reilly's transcript and listening to the audio, you can't help but get the impression that this is how he really thinks. This is the underlying psyche that rules his world. To have a man like that, with the platform he has, is disturbing to say the least.
So, why don't you just come out and take a stance on the issue. Did you read the transcript? Did you listen to the audio? If so, what is your opinion as to what O'Reilly said? Did this event shape your opinion of him in any way?
I'll give Scarborough, and just about any commentator to the left of Beck, a break on the manufactured outrage. BOR's remarks have got to seem amazingly bizarre to any one but A. Coulter.
"I've got chills", nails it.
Scarborough used to pretend to be a conservative when he was in the Congress, but here we see him in his true colors as a liberal.... He is SMEARING O'Reilley by replaying this racist remark not ONCE but TWICE!!