Discussing racy photos, Beck to female guest: "I've got some time and a camera. Why don't you stop by?"
On the February 28 edition of his CNN Headline News program, Glenn Beck once again made sexually suggestive comments toward a woman when he hosted US Weekly's Dina Sansing to discuss racy photographs of American Idol contestant Antonella Barba. After Beck claimed that "[y]ou can't take stupid photos and expect those to be ... locked away forever," Sansing responded that it was "possibly" true and that "it depends." As the weblog Crooks and Liars noted, Beck then asked: "Dina, I've got some time and a camera. Why don't you stop by?" Sansing did not respond and, after several seconds of silence, Beck stated: "No? OK." As Media Matters for America has noted (here, here, and here), in each of the first three episodes of his CNN Headline News show in May 2006, Beck made sexually suggestive comments to CNN Headline News anchor Erica Hill, who was then giving daily news updates on Beck's show. Hill no longer appears on Beck's program.
As Media Matters for America has noted, ABC recently hired Beck as a "regular commentator" for Good Morning America.
From the February 28 edition of CNN Headline News' Glenn Beck:
BECK: Dina, has it ever struck you as a good idea to take naked photos?
SANSING: It depends from what perspective you're coming from. You know, it's probably not the best idea.
BECK: "Probably not the best idea"? You know, there, I just read a story in USA Today this morning about how there's a digital footprint, that people don't -- you know, everybody's talking about the carbon footprint.
SANSING: Yeah.
BECK: It's the digital footprint. People now have cell phones with pictures everywhere, and your photo is going to be everywhere. You can't take stupid photos and expect those to be, you know, locked away forever.
SANSING: Certainly not if you want to become a big celebrity. You have to understand that the minute you go on American Idol or want a career as a singer, people are going to look into your past and find these kind of photos and post them everywhere, which is what happened.
BECK: Let me tell you -- Dina, let me tell you something. I don't think you have to be famous. I think you just work in the average, you know, in the average environment in America now, somebody would get a picture of you, and then it would be posted all around, and you -- it'll happen in your office.
SANSING: Yeah, possibly.
BECK: You don't think so?
SANSING: Well, it depends. You know, it depends --
BECK: Dina, I've got some time and a camera. Why don't you stop by? No? OK.
Give me a break........I know you hate Beck, but this is ridiculous.
I also am not a fan of Beck, but I see this posting as utter vindictiveness. His show touches on numerous subjects. What about Imus and the sexual innuendo that comes out of that show?
What do you think is the vindictive part? Media Matters documenting Beck's pattern of sexual harassment in the workplace or Media Matters documenting Beck being shot down by a beautiful woman on national television?
You could look at it that way, my definition is that we dont like Beck so we will report on this. What about Imus and his show on MSNBC daily Sexual harrasment , sexual innuendo and crude behavior? Imus is a subject on occasion on MMFA, but his is alot worse but I guess when you call Dick Cheney a war criminal (which he is) some of that behavior is excused by many.
Imus is not being excused by this website at all. He's called out by MMFA for his comments constantly.
Media Matters is probably targeting Beck more because he was hired as a regular commentator by a very mainstream, non-partisan show (Good Morning America). You don't see mainstream shows hiring people like Imus to comment on anything.
MSNBC is not mainstream?Dedicated 3 1/2 hrs a day to a hateshow on a major cable network.
Compared to a major network morning show known worldwide (Good Morning America), no, MSNBC is not mainstream. Good Morning America gets about 6-7 million viewers each morning compared to about 200K for Imus.
So its all about ratings? In that case lets dismiss all of MSNBC (including MMFA fav Olbermann).
It probably wouldn't be so wretched if Beck didn't espouse his spiritual connection to Jesus and how America is sliding into the abyss because we're all godless sex machines.
At least Imus doesn't play the I'm-better-than-you crap that most Christublicans whip out.
Beck's pattern of sexual harassment in the workplace
What the HECK are you talking about? What pattern are you talking about? This is MMFA at its worst... talk about taking subtle comments or humorous statements so friggin' literally. This is a WASTE of MMFA space.
Hate is fine if you back it with facts... this is ludicrous.
It was a sexist and innapropriate comment that should be saved for the locker room. I'm sorry if you righties are all put out because polite society doesn't want you to act like sophmoric jerks but that's the way it is. That's a fact, Jack.
"As Media Matters for America has noted (here, here, and here), in each of the first three episodes of his CNN Headline News show in May 2006, Beck made sexually suggestive comments to CNN Headline News anchor Erica Hill, who was then giving daily news updates on Beck's show. Hill no longer appears on Beck's program."
FYI, the "here, here, and here" are Media Matters links to other documentation of Beck's sexual harrassment. Glad to see you read, and understood, the article!
I don't remember reading why Hill is not on his show. Since MMFA suggests Beck's comments were the reason, maybe they should link to a quote by her.
Wow... "here, here and here?" To suggest that ANY of these comments is sexual harrassment is insane. Ludicrous. Absurd. Any credibility you possible might have had as a grownup has been completely tossed out of the window now. You have to WATCH the show, know what Glenn is like, know what Erica is like, understand the goofy banter they have, etc. There's a whole personna Glenn has about being a ladies man, "it's a cross he bears" (cue the lounge music). MMFA is so sad for it's portrayal of these comments as sexual harassment. It's THIS mentality that ties up courts with useless cases, and makes it harder for TRUE female victims to get any support.
Shame on you.
Cannonbomb.... You look so HOT in your greasy, food stained sweat pants and shirt... I mean it- you look sooooo good. By the way, I'm not wearing any pants... seriously!! I'm not!! I saw your picture in 'Sexist Pigs Today' and was just luvin' it! I usually read it while..oh, you know (wink wink). So I have a basement and some video machines- want to come over and make a movie? (Long Pause...) No, ok then...I see you tomorrow, lucious looking... keep it up, if you know what I mean. As one man to another, you drive me nuts!
SUBTLE?
You forgot to say it's "silly".
BTW, do you have a life....besides whining about everything on MMFA? Seriously, I want to know.
I would say the person with the more pathetic life is the one who responds........that would be you.
And thanks, silly works too.
Speaking of pathetic/Tommy. You have to comment to me and to a MMFA story that you find "ridiculous". Congrats, Tommy/pathetic, you define low-life.
That's good trollin', Tommy! You must be ecstatic you found a liberal board you can troll w/o getting banned.
I think you're right Tommy.
This is a job for the "culture warrior" or some other hypocrite from the right who professes that the left is responsible for the coarseness in society today.
You're right the conservatives should police themselves, they're so good at it.
Bill-O could certainly provide some advice to Beck on how to properly sexually harassment females in the workplace.
Exactly. There is a double standard. Yet, the righties will claim (now, of course, because they are the one's doing the horney-talk)... those libs are being way too sensitive.
I think Beck's giving Bill a serious run for his money.
If you are more comfortable with the many posters here, who sink coarseness to new lows when commenting on rightwing media personalities they despise, on being the "culture warriors" - be my guest.
For a "ridiculous" story, you certainly are throwing a hissy fit and are quite obsessed about posting on it.
Once again you almost got it, the obsessed one would be your inane responses to me.....but keep trying.
You're still responding to me. Your obsession is compiling. Wow, such a hissy fit, tommy/pathetic, over a "ridiculous" story. Jump.
Despite the deliciousness of this, you are just embarassing yourself. Find a puppy or something.
"sink coarseness to new lows"~Pathetic/Tommy
Yet, you defend sexual harassment [and call it "ridiculous"] and coarseness of new lows from the republic party freak show. ROFL. Priceless. You hypocrite.
You call this sexual harassment?
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
You DON'T call this sexual harrassment?!
The topic was naked pictures being posted on the Internet and Becks end the conversation with "I've got time and a camera" implying he would like to take naked pictures of his guest. I would think this would be example Number 1 on what sexual harassment is.
First off it's American Idol for god sakes......some girl was revealed to have provactive photos on the net, wow? Earth shattering. And this was a joke to a guest.......all you do is demean real sexual harrassment incidents if you think this silliness is anything more than stupid Glenn Beck's lame attempt at humor.
I forgot. The old "it's a joke" line when certain people say bad things. It's not a joke when Beck, and others, say things such as this. It might be a joke if Beck was sitting around talking about this with some close friends, but for him to say it to someone he doesn't even know, on national TV, and it literally makes her cringe and feel uncomfortable, it's not a joke. It's harassment.
Sexual harassment is viewed in the eyes of the target...if she feels she was sexually harassed, then she was. If you say the exact same comment to a woman in your office, 9 times out of 10 your going to be let go. Sure it's a joke, as are most sexual harrassment remarks...but it's only a joke to the culpret, not the victim. The sexual harrasment is evident in her response...which was the last thing someone on television wants to do...and that's allow dead air time, no response or silence shows utter discomfort and more shock than aything. And what should she have done? Laugh? Then Beck would have thought she was interested...even better TV?
She should have laughed or said "your not hot enough to take anyone's picture."
Obviously it was crass but it was not harassment and I'm sorry, the victim doesn't get to choose what is harrassment.
Except the victim police on this website and their patrollers.
tommy , stow it. You claim to be an authority on what's harrasment, what's relevant to a topic, et. etc. But you're intollerant of anyone else. You're a joke.
Your calling me intolerant after that post? Now that's rich.
Yes, I called you intollerant. Let me know if you need further clarification.
"the victim doesn't get to choose what's harrasment."
That is probably the most assanine thing I've read in a long long time. So who does the harrasser?
"your not hot enough to take anyone's picture." -Leather
Which would make utterly no sense at all. So if the victim of the alleged harassment, who makes the call? Wouldn't the victim have to deam the action/comment harassment BEFORE it is reported to upper management? In that case, the VICTIM would be making the call. And I can guarantee you that any work place would take the side of the "supposed" victim in order to avoid any possibility of a law suite. The idea that this would be negated because the work environment is on television saddens me.
This is NOT a work place. It is an interview on an entertainment show. It is not an employment situation or a serious news show. Vaudeville type jokes are perfectly appropriate.
Hm, So Beck doesn't really work at CNN, he just does a free vaudeville act for them?
This is NOT a work place. It is an interview on an entertainment show. It is not an employment situation or a serious news show. Vaudeville type jokes are perfectly appropriate.
If Beck is EMPLOYED by CNN, it IS a work place. Just because it's ON TV doesn't mean it's not a work environment. Do you not recall the lawsuit brought against Bill O? The comments he made were off property, off camera, and supposed to be private (by his standards) and the suit was SETTLED! These comments were on CNN's property and on CNN's air waves, making CNN a responsible party. Television does not negate the workplace, it exposes CNN's work place in this situation.
She should have laughed or said "your not hot enough to take anyone's picture."
Careful, Leather, or Tommy will get his dander up because you're telling her how she should have felt.
That's not the issue here. The issue is Beck's off hand, and telling comment. It's definitely a sexist remark. If you don't think so, maybe you need sensitivity training.
The American Idol piece was the TOPIC of Beck's program, not the ISSUE of the Media Matters post. You're right, another Idol contestant gets caught with her pants down - almost literally - and it isn't Earth shattering news.
However, Beck made an inappropriate comment (probably in jest) to a guest. Sexual harassment doesn't start and stop at groping and using curse words. It can, and does, include making comments that can be construed as sexual and make others uncomfortable.
If you cannot grasp that concept than it is obvious to me that you have never held a salaried job in your life.
It's Tommy's MO. Change the subject, feign mock outrage at how silly everyone else is and/or changing the argument entirely.
Change the subject??? I didn't bring up the preposterous sexual harassment charge, your fellow sensitive liberals did that.
At least we're sensitive.
Yes, you changed the subject of the thread, as you often do. Sexual harrasment is the topic.
As I said, let her sue then......it's all on video, should be easy for her, right? If she sues and wins, I owe you an apology......if not, she thought it as harmless as most everyone else did.....except those that have completed sensitivity training.
So... by you're line of reasoning is that if no one complains, it's okay. Thus, as long as the woman never complains (or press charges, or sue), you can just keep harassing her.
Why do liberals LOVE to tell others how they should feel? What is it with you? If she doesn't complain or file a suit, that still isn't good enough for some of you. Dammit, feel the way we tell you!!! It's her business, if she feels this rises to come unacceptable level, then let her handle it.......if not, just accept it and find another individual to host your victim games.
Thanks for answering my question: The harassment can ensue as long as no one complains.
Thanks for the info.
And when a tree falls in the woods and nobody's around, does it still make a sound?
Are you making fun of me because I'm deaf?
To answer your question: Yes. Just because no one heard it, life and reality doesn't operate in a vacuum (well, unless you go into space, then I'll just have adjust that statement.)
Yeah, that's relevant. No one here is saying how anyone should feel except you cons. All we've been saying is that Beck's remarks were innapropriate and harrasment. It is offensive to many people, not just the person the comment was directed at. I don't care how you feel.
Some people wouldn't know sexual harassment if it pinched them in the ass.
Clever!
Beck's comment was humourous and quite in line with his attitude, personality and show. There are hundreds of far more offensive posts within the hallowed halls of the MMFA message boards. Just because it's not national television doesn't mean it's any different. An action is good or bad based on the action, not the size of the audience.
Friggin' lighten up people. There are bigger issues to deal with.
"There are hundreds of far more offensive posts within the hallowed halls of the MMFA message boards. " -cann0nba11
This doesn't negate the fact that Beck does have a clear record of subjugating women with sexual enuendous on his show. Or that the comments he made here are not sexually deviant. I for one would re-consider many of Beck's views concerning our society when he makes a such a comment. Is it necessary for him to make such comments to women, obviously making them quite uncomfortable and possibly embarassing them on national TV, consistantly just to illustrate his "character" or "satirish style of his show"? I would now in the 21st century that woman in journalism, even entertainment journalism, wouldn't have to be subjected to such comments in the name of Glenn Beck's "humor".
I agree the comments are in line with Becks personality. Ignorant, insensative and boorish. THAT is the problem
Let's talk about the fairness of the AI situation. Antonella gets to stay on the show while Frenchy from a few seasons ago was dropped like a bad habit for the same thing. Where is the ACLU? Where is the NAACP? Frenchy was discriminated agains, Antonella is attractive so she gets a pass? C'mon lefties...
Where is the ACLU?
Where is the government action?
(insert sarcasm here) That's right. As long as you're beautiful in America, you can get away with just about anything, including murder. If you're rich, then you can away too. If you're rich and beautiful, well... you can wipe out the entire eastern seaboard and no one will bat an eye.
The sad truth... being pretty goes a long, long way.
Are you serious? This ISN'T sexual harrassment?
All I can say is, wow. It not only IS sexual harrassment, but it could be prime example number 1 of sexual harrassment.
Sexual harassment could be defined as: Any unwarranted and repeated sexual comments, looks, suggestions or physical contact that create an uncomfortable working environment for an employee.
I'd say his guest, while working on his show, was uncomfortable at the least.
No, real sexual harassment is injurious. This is a harmless joke. Real sexual harassment occurs in the workplace when subortinates feel compelled or intimidated by superiors. This is a harmless joke. Unless you can demonstrate to me that this guest is harmed or will be harmed in anyway by this comment, then you've got nothing.
Injurious in who's eyes? I can't believe anyone would defend such a comment as Beck's. Of course there are more injurious acts of sexual harrasment bu that doesn't mean this should be excused.
It's not harmless if it makes his guest uncomfortable. Which it most obviously did. It also demeans her and puts her into a light which one could say would be held up as an "object", or something of lust and desire, rather than someone who holds views, and may or may not be intelligent.
His comment was way off base, and it's not a joke. To even call it that is insane.
"Uncomfortable"? That's the sexual harassment standard nowadays? Well, I am uncomfortable when a woman wears clothes too tight around the office - where is my lawyer???
That could be one form of sexual harassment as well. If there is a woman in your office who makes you feel uncomfortable with the way that she dresses, and causes consternation, that is a form of harassment. So you might have a case. It would be possibly a situation where you talk to your HR rep about how you don't think it is appropriate how "insert name of woman you work with here" dresses in the office environment and that it makes you feel uncomfortable. I would bet that they would address it immediately. And if they didn't, then you elevate it.
Beck made a crass and yes, harassing comment.
No thanks, I wouldn't waste my time, my companys time, or the woman's time. Playing the victim ain't my style.
You wouldn't waste your company's time? You post here all day, five days a week. I guess you must work the night shift.
Alright, now your obsession with me is a little creepy......now you want to know my working hours? You need a blow-up doll or something, or get an imaginary friend.
Clams was making an observation based on information already available to anyone who posts here. Again, you go out of your way to assume something is what it is not.
Wow, everybody's obsessed with you lately, huh? You really need to get over yourself. Just because somebody responds to your posts doesn't mean they're obsessed, and claiming that they are doesn't somehow magically invalidate the point that they were making. Please find a new way of avoiding real debate. The "you're obsessed with me" strategy is getting boring.
Really? Inquiring about my work hours is "real debate", huh? Are you this frustrated? It's gone beyond obsession and is now frightening.
Yet damn funny.
Are you serious when you make posts like this? Because I have a hard time believeing some of the garbage you come up with. No one was asking about your work hours. It was a rhetorical question, a respoinse to something you said about wasting your companies time and a simplle observation that you seem to post a lot when most people are at work. You turn that into some soap opera. You can't be serious, or sane.
No, the real debate is found in the hundreds of other posts of substance that you routinely ignore day in and day out in favor of inane diversionary nonsense like this.
Tommy, this comment, and your comment from yesterday in which you stated that you don't do anything for free might lead some to think that you're paid to post on this site.
After all, if you are at work, you are wasting your company's time and if your not at work, then you're getting paid to post since you don't do anything for free.
Am I wrong?
When your fellow liberal posters who are here night and day are asked the same question, perhaps I will too. Until then, you will have to live with your own conclusions.
But, in this case, you were the one who said that you wouldn't waste your company's time going to HR to talk about someone who you find is dressing inappropriately (and time equals money right?). So indirectly you were opening yourself up to a criticism of how you spend your time at work (if you work during the day).
I myself, do spend some of my time at work posting here.
And who else hear has ever said that they don't anything for free and that they don't waste their company's time?
For the record, I am not paid to post here. No one needs to ask.
Not only am I not paid to post here, I can honestly say, that I have never, ever, spent one minute of my employers time even reading this website, let alone posting here.
Sad to say, I do it all on my own time.
Sweet Action! This is awesome. The ugly girl in the cubicle next to mine smells like a cab and spits when she talks. I've wanted her gone for years, but I've had no basis to get rid of her till now! Her shoes make me feel uncomfortable. Harassment suit here I come! She'll be gone in a week.
Yeah, good luck with that.
What an incredibly myopic point of view. There is no use arguing this point with you.
Let's see if the woman's outrage rises to your level......after all, she is really the decider, not you or me or anyone else here. Let me know when she is on Judge Judy.
I'm sure you have the TV on in the background as you type away. Why don't YOU let ME know.
And I'll cede another point to you - it is her decision to prosecute. If she does, I think she has a very strong case.
Typical. So whatever feelings Sansing has about the incident can only be validated by a judge?
No, you go right ahead and tell her how she should feel.
And how exactly did I tell her how to feel? Her immediate feelings were made pretty clear if you bothered to watch the video.
You have to go to great lengths to avoid the obvious. No one does it better than you Tommy.
Really? The obvious is that sexual harassment is a legal term used by litigants in a legal proceeding. If the woman has a case, she should by all means file a lawsuit - her case, according to your fellow posters is an easy one and it's all on video. You can dance around it all you want, she should be offended, whatever.........ignore the legalities of it, which is the issue.
You have no case, pure and simple.
No actually. The only person who has latched on to a legal standard for harrasment is you. There is a common decency standard as well. This is what is being discussed.
That's what sexual harassment denotes and you know it. Shifting the argument away from it's core meaning to something more subjective is convenient when you're stumbling around the argument. Just admit she has no case.
No you are shifting. You are using the phrase "sexual harrasment" and claiming it can only be defined in legal terms. That's not correct. If I call my HR dept. and claim that I'm being sexually harrased, I'm not asked if it meets a legal standard. Your argument is ridiculous.
How ridiculous. That is a work environment with supervisors and employees. This is TV show with a host and a guest. Your analogy is absurd. Who is she going to complain to - the head of CNN? If it were anything at all, she would pursue it. Legally or otherwise. She has no case, she probably hasn't given it a second thought........unless the victim possy gets a hold of her.
Tommy I was simply trying to give you an example so you might understand why sexual harrasment isn't exclusive to legal speak. You have obsessed over the legal standard. No one is saying she should sue or if she could. You try so hard to avoid the simplest of issues. If you don't find the comment offensive so be it but trotting out this legal mumbo jumbo is totally and completely irrelevant to the fact that Beck is a sexist pig and this comment is another example of it.
For Beck and Tom it is a joke. For the rest of us that suffer from empathy and care, we recognize it for what it is.
It like the War in Iraq. There are going to be those that believe its the best this for this country to do right now. The rest of us see it differently. It just the schematic of one's perception of reality.
Tommy is trying to confuse the legal definition of harassment with the general definition. However, even then he probably doesn't get it right. Specifically, the behavior need not be "injurious" to consititute legal sexual harassment. http://www.eeoc.gov/facts/fs-sex.html
However, even if the guest has no grounds for a legal case, that doesn't mean that Beck's behavior wasn't harassment in a general sense. The relevant definition of "harass" from Webster is 2) to create an unpleasant or hostile situation for especially by uninvited and unwelcome verbal or physical conduct. The guest's silence would clearly suggest that the Beck's comment was not welcomed by her. Beck's behavior was sexual harassment, even if not illegal.
Tommy's comments suggest that he hasn't learned that behavior need to be illegal to be inappropriate. His "harmless joke" comment also provokes a question: how often is it used as a public defense in sexual harassment cases?
Sorry, but he wasn't making an unwelcome advance. He was making an unwelcome joke. It wasn't even lewd. It was funny. It's an entertainment show. Anyone who goes on that show -- not quite as bad as Imus -- should know that is the type of humor that goes on. If she doesn't like it she shouldn't be on the show. I see absolutely no evidence that this is harassment. Not even close.
It wasn't funny. It was distateful, sophmoric and again, harrasment. If you think it's just funny, talk like that to your coworkers and see how long before you are being called on it.
It wasn't a Joke. He was trying to get her to agree on his point that posing for nude pictures is always wrong. She refused to concede to his premise. So Beck tried to prove his point by embarassing her by suggesting that since she thinks its Ok to pose she should come on over.
So like I said it wasn't a joke. But for someone who enjoys the awkward moments from "The Office" it was kind of funny.
Why do you bother with such obvious garbage. Ive got some time and a camera come on over is OBVIOUSLY and by any reasonable definition an advance whether it was a joke or not is irrelevant obviously it was an unwanted advance evidenced by her reaction. Your post was ludicrous even by your very low standards
So I ask now, in what sense did I misquote Pruett or apply his writings out of context?
You sir, are consistently opposed to gay persons being considered as equal, legitimate human beings. You consistently portray gay persons as deviants, perverts, sinners and in general worthy of discrimination and hate.
Dr. Pruett comes to exactly the opposite conclusions. It is patently disingenuous of you to claim that his research supports your view points. Your statement “My assumption is that he didn't want to be identified, even remotely, with the defense of traditional marriage” reveals your obsession with what is, demographically a teensy tiny little segment of the population. Your blatant refusal to accept the conclusions of your medical peers (see MMFC for details) reveals your strategy of creating a feeling of persecution to inflame the emotions of your followers and thus keeps the donations rolling in.
“Defense of traditional marriage” is a made up problem. Recognizing gay persons as valued, loving people does not in any way devalue traditional marriages. I realize that by traditional marriage you are referring to the correct interpretation sanctioned by you of marriage, never mind that polygamy, for instance has a much longer history, and is considered traditional by hundreds of millions of people, than any religion.
Please, do what you can to help all families get access to basic health care, help families that are struggling with domestic violence, help get aggressive drivers off the highways. There are plenty of issues that affect not thousands of families but millions that need immediate attention.
Bingo! Unfortunately, the expression “it’s so gay” or “that is gay” is now part of popular culture (see “The forty year old virgin” for example) . How many Mathew Shepards before we realize that words do harm and we should not say something just because we have the right to. I do tech support at an alternative high school, and there are several children there who have deep emotional handicaps now, totally from the abuse they have received from peers and teachers because they are either openly homosexual or effeminate. Interesting that the other children at the alternative high school stand up for them and accept them as they are.
Attention "Culture Warriors" Notice that the MMFA suggests that Mr. Beck is on a news program. "CNN Headline News program"Thus it is not too much of a stretch to cite this rude and disrespectful behavior as part of a pattern of, well not news. For instance, can you in your wildest leap of fancy, imagine Walter Cronkite propositioning some one he had invited on his program? This is not news reporting, it is not punditry, it is coarse, low life behavior one might expect to hear at a construction site back in the 50’s. If this is the culture and values you are fighting for you have my deepest pity. CNN must be trying to split the Neanderthals market with the FOX cable channel.woops, that was for our dear friend Dr. Dobson on the Colorado media matters. We have so many hate mongers here in Colorado we need out own MM.
Where you at? I live in Longmont, work in Boulder.
Bing, I would say but then I would have to kill you. I am in the liberal protection program over here on the West Slope, using a fake identity provided to me personally by Soros.
Ah, I understand my friend. It's safer here for us on the front range, barely.
I don't have a problem with the coarseness in society. But people like Beck, O'Reilly and others with the many deviate skeletons in their closets are always the ones to point out how they think the left is responsible for societies woes.
Beck shows nothing but disrespect for this woman and his behavior is indefensible. This looks like it was intended to be a serious interview. Beck is an idiot for making this kind of comment. His behavior should be noted.
For the record, the left is no more responsible for the coarsening of our society than the right is........what Beck and O'Reilly say about it is unimportant to me - they have their agendas.
That's the difference, though, Tommy... most of us find it laughable and stupid that instead of ever addressing anything substantive about a debate, the right-wing "culture warriors" and concern trolls are always too busy complaining about how coarse and uncivil their critics are, then when caught behaving in that same "coarse" or "uncivil" manner which sends them into a pearl-clutching swoon when we do it, they start b*tching and sniveling that we're being too "politically correct"
The whole reason Beck seems to have even brought up the subject of the racy photos of the American Idol contestant was so that he could moralize about it and try to make himself feel superior, which he then totally negated by acting like the kind of guy who gets drinks thrown at him in nightclubs over atrocious pick-up lines and then cluelessly asks "what? what did i say?"
'acting like the kind of guy who gets drinks thrown at him in nightclubs over atrocious pick-up lines and then cluelessly asks "what? what did i say?" '
Precisely, and I have the same level of comtempt for those jokers as I do for Beck.
Attention "Culture Warriors"
Notice that the MMFA suggests that Mr. Beck is on a news program. "CNN Headline News program"Thus it is not too much of a stretch to cite this rude and disrespectful behavior as part of a pattern of, well not news. For instance, can you in your wildest leap of fancy, imagine Walter Cronkite propositioning some one he had invited on his program? This is not news reporting, it is not punditry, it is coarse, low life behavior one might expect to hear at a construction site back in the 50’s. If this is the culture and values you are fighting for you have my deepest pity. CNN must be trying to split the Neanderthals market with the FOX cable channelFor the last time, he is NOT a news reporter or
even a news talking head. He is an entertainment talk show host.
So are you defending his place in journalism, or the comments he made to this woman on his show?
sorry tommy, you lose this time.
she is a professional and doesn't deserve to put up with sexual "come on" jokes from anyone when she is trying to have a serious discussion. You can make jokes, just not annoying/sexist ones.
Beck needs to apologize to her.
Col, If the guest feels she was sexually harassed then she has an open and shut case, doesn't she? Right there on national TV, no "he said, she said" involved here........it's all documented.
We wait for her lawsuit.
It doesn't have to merit a law suit to be harrasment.
You mean this doesn't rise to the level of harassment. I agree.
Not everything needs to be held to a legal standard to be wrong.
I wonder if that isn't part of the authoritarian streak found in so many conservatives. It has to be considered wrong by rule of law before they see any wrongdoing.
I think you nailed it Clams. They love their rules and laws. See any number of Republics unethical behavior and the toads who defend them saying they haven't been found guily in a court or brought up on charges.
Darn those rules and laws.
Rules and laws are fine but they aren't the only measure of good and bad socially acceptable behavior. That's the point I was trying to make. A common defence of Republiks of people like Jack Abramof, Duke Cunningham and the like are propped up with charges of "he hasn't been indicted yet so what's the big deal." When they are indicted it's a witch hunt. It's an alternate reality where anyone can be villified or defended even if they do the same things.
Once again, you miss the point entirely.
Well, for one, US Weekly is not exactly high brow journalism. I too was wondering if the publisher of US Weekly would get after CNN for an on air apology, but after visiting their web site I doubt it. But, who knows, Beck was so far out there this time that even US Weekly may have to demand an apology just to maintain the illusion of being journalism.
Beck apologize? Shouldn't you be giving him a dishonorable discharge for conduct unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman, Colonel?
Uuuummm...Tommy! I hate people who make sexual advances towards me when it is TOTALLY inappropiate (you know, like on a NATIONAL NEWS SHOW). It is harrassment and makes me feel funny inside....did you even WATCH the clip?? The girl's pause and demeanor appeared horrified that he even mentioned it...
Tommy, Your first post on this item was at 1:43 Eastern time an I see your posts up to about 4:45 Eastern time. Do you get paid to make devil's advocate remarks on this site?
Dude get a grip and stop man loving on Beck. The guy is total rip-off artist. His show is a concoction stolen from Lush Rimjob, wrapped in the Stolen Greaseman Voice, peppered with the zany, gonzy radio antics of Mancow, Opie and Anthony and the rest of the Howard Stern Rip-offs ZOINKS! THAT'S WILD AND WACKY STUFF!!. I'd respect him more if just stole Kasey kassem's voice and used that to regurgitate the Lush Rimjob Format. But I guess you thik Beck is a real WILD AND CRAZY GUY. Tell me something, Do you also think Gallagher's brother sqwuashing pumpkins on stage is funny?
Beck perfectly represents the sexual deviant nature of the republic party.
Beck is not a journalist. He hosts a talk show. It is NOT inappropriate for him to make sexual innuendo jokes. He is not hitting on an employee like O'Reilly supposedly did. It's an entertainment show.
I forgot, on this site they don't like heterosexual humor.
Why is he on a news show then? That is what his program is touted as.
His comment was stupid, and harassing.
It was not harassing. So you thought it was stupid. That's your opinion. But it doesn't come anywhere close to being harassment.
He is on CNN News but he is a talk show host. If they had Chris Rock on, he could make off-color jokes and that is no problem because that is what he is. You people act like he was either Mike Wallace on 60 minutes or that he actually was trying to seduce her in front of a million people.
If she had laughed, instead of being silent, Beck probably would have taken that as an acceptance to his "joke" of an invatation. Your saying if she was into it, he would rescind the offer, because after all it was a joke!
That wasn't a joke, it was a sexual advance that was clearly unwelcome, i.e. sexual harassment.
And yet he is on a channel that is named "headline news" thus he can be held to journalistic standards. This type of content is offensive to lots of people. Yes, he has the right to say what he wants, but the point is, one cannot switch back and forth from crude sexual innuendos and being a crusader of traditional christian values and not expect to be called out on that.
O'Reilly was accused of harraasing a co-worker over the phone, multiple times and also settled to avoid further embarassment and no not even talk show hosts get a pass from being a sexist jerk. I wonder how Beck's wife felt after that comment.
I would imagine she laughed at it instead of feeling threatened and victimized by an innocent flirtatous joke whose job it is to make such jokes.
Your oversensitivity is more disgusting than Beck's joke could ever be.
Yes, because I'm sure Beck's wife wasn't embaressed by the idiotic thing that he said on national TV, and it demeaned his guest, and indirectly, demeaned his wife and family. I know if I said something like this, even in front of say a few close friends, my wife would kick my arse, rightfully so, and probably in front of everyone who was there.
If Beck is not a "newsman" as you keep saying, then why is he always on news programs? Maybe he should just move over to an opinion program, but no, he is on a full bore news show.
Oversensitive is often used by those who care nothing for other people's feelings to describe others who do.
Oversensitivty is digusting? I've never heard it explained that way before.
Beck = smarm personified
Ewww. Creepy.
Pretty women, you may want to avoid Beck if you want to keep your dignity clean. Actually, everybody ought to avoid Beck to protect their own dignity.
Beck = creepy guy...
This is pretty much sexual harrassment by Beck to one of his guests. Should this be in here? Of course it should. It shows what the mainstream media are willing to put front and center for their networks which represent them. Beck is a disgrace.
MAN, what a great awkward silence! Priceless....
No sh-ite!! That paused said it all about how she FELT during that advance by the *man* Bic....
Tommy/pathetic, keep hitting refresh. MMFA is about to post a new story.
No WAY Beck has ever gotten laid.
So you can't tell jokes anymore....noted. Non-story.
Hey Savagerocks, send your mom over. If she's not too skanky I'll let her do me.
What? Joke.
Maybe if he told an actual joke, it would be OK. This was just a creepy come on by a middle aged man trying to score points with a good looking woman. So what if he told say, a racist black joke? It's only a joke right?
Yeah, this is JUST LIKE a racist joke...not exactly. This is just the way his sarcasm is. If you listen to his radio show at all you'd pick it up.
I actually agree with you here, SR, as I have listened to Glen's radio program. This is just the way his jokes/sarcasm are: not funny, and kinda embarrassing to all involved.
Well, thanks. But SOME people do find his sarcasm entertaining or else he wouldn't get great ratings.
Definition of sarcasm:
Sarcasm is sneering, jesting, or mocking a person, a situation or thing. It is often used in a humorous manner and sometimes expressed through particular vocal intonations. Sarcasm is often expressed in ironical statements. It can sometimes be the sincerest form of discourse for the emotionally fragile. This is often done by simply over-emphasizing the actual statement, or particular words of it.
So how was Beck being "sarcastic" again? Because I don't see it.
Listen, I know it would probably cause your head to explode but if you'd only LISTEN to his radio program before claiming this wasn't sarcasm you'd get his sense of humor. You probably wouldn't like the show but you'd see that this shouldn't be taken seriously
It is the way he is.......not funny, full of himself, and a bore.
How isn't it like a racist joke?
Both are and were completely inappropriate. It's not sarcasm at all. Sarcasm doesn't come off like someone checking out a woman in a bar and making drunken comments to her. And if it was indeed a "joke" (as it appears to be the excuse that you fellows use to excuse anything stupid right wingers say), then it was indeed, not funny in the least. I didn't see his guest laughing. Did you?
If you just think a little before letting your emotions take control you can easily see how this was a) a joke (albeit not a good one), and b) so absurd that it can't be taken seriously. Do you actually think that Beck, a married man who apeals primarily to CONSERVATIVES would actually MEAN something like this when he says it on TELEVISION? That is ABSURD. My point is that you can SAY something and not really mean it. That is why this is a non-issue. If you listen to 5 minutes of Beck's radio program you realize he says a lot of things he doesn't mean. It's called SARCASM...would you like a link to the defintion?
Hey silly Savageboy, see the definition that I posted above. This wasn't sarcasm, not even close to it. Do I think a so called known conservative would make comments like this to a woman? Yes indeed I do believe that he would. Maybe he should think more before he speaks.
I don't think that sarcasm means what you think it means. This wasn't a sarcastic comment, at all. Please look at the definition I posted.
See my above comment. Beck's sarcasm is easy to pick up if you are familiar with his show. If everyone's sense of humor was the same the world would suck
It's still not sarcasm. Not even close really.
I hope and pray to God that I never "get" Beck's sarcasm or at least put myself in the position to learn it. I'm the most sarcastic sonofabitch on the planet... That statement Beck made wasn't sarcasm, it wasn't even a joke, it was come on. Of course the shills may go back and say it was otherwise, but in the context of the dialog it was a come on.
A joke would be: Maybe I ought to take some pictures of myself and put them on myspace.
or perhaps this as sarcasm: This is going to do wonders to jump start her career. Maybe she ought to call Vanessa Williams.
Then why was nobody laughing? Does he just suck that bad at his job?
Actually he's pretty good at his job....at least that's what the ratings say. If he was bad at it his TV show would have failed and he'd have to switch from conservative talk to Air America
His ratings excuse his remarks, then?
No, the remarks excuse his remarks. Anyone who ACTUALLY takes this sarcastic comment seriously is overreacting. My ratings comment was in response to a post that claimed Beck is not good at his job
Just because it's "sarcasm" doesn't excuse it, you miserable pile of snotrags. (PS I was being sarcastic there)
Also, just because he entertains some people, doesn't mean he should be on the air.
It's true he gets people to listen somehow. Then again, Milli Vanilli sold a lotta records.
Trying to make a joke that was harrassing.
I'm sure your mom would be proud of your "respect" for her.
I can't really defend Beck on this one, sorry Beck. You can make jokes but you wouldn't make this joke to a guy interviewee and she obviously didn't appreciate it. I don't think she should have put up with comments like that when she is trying to have a serious discussion and Beck is making sexually suggestive jokes to her, she is a professional and has paid her dues.
Beck should apologize to her on the air.
Col,
Put the story in context - they were discussing some chick on AI and her photos - this wasn't some summit on sexual harassment in the workplace........Beck's attempt at humor fell flat on his guest, he looks stupider than she does.
How did Beck's guest look stupid? If you say he looked stupider than she does, you are saying she looked stupid, too.
Stop blaming the victim!
Ok, if we grant you that Beck is a comedian, Beck was making an attempt at humor, he's not a newsman, they were discussing a moronic reality show, etc.
What a set of balls you have to say that this woman is stupid.
"you wouldn't make this joke to a guy interviewee"
my thoughts too.
Are you kidding??? That's a pretty broad-brush indictment of "the republican party". Perhaps you have forgotten about Bill Clinton who, last time I checked, was a democrat.
I agree; Harley is wrong. For Beck to perfectly represent the sexual deviancy of the Republic Party, he needs to harass underage employees via text message and have meth-fueled sex with male prostitutes while railing against the evils of homosexuality.
Rusty, can you tutour me? You are certainly one of the master posters. I am in awe of your wit and creativity, really. It takes me hours to come up with material that then does not even hold a candle to what you do in minutes. Keep up the good work.
Now THAT'S good sarcasm!
Exactly. It appears that Savagerocks does not know one bit what sarcasm actually is. But I'm glad some people recognized this well honed skill that so few have ever mastered.
I also have the smart ass gene. But seriously, I really enjoy and admire your witt and biting commentaries. You would make a much better talk show host than todays subject. I will concede to lhelmet, colcampbell et al that Beck is a bore, rude, rather humourless and yes just like the character Steve Carrel plays on the hit TV series "The Office" at times, and , and is never to be considered a serious journalist.
Maybe you forget that Bill Clinton's activities were consensual.
And he probably didn't get rejected as often as Beck obviously does, either.
Yes Bill Clinton is a registered Democrat who's always acted just like a Republic. The point is genius, that though many Democrats deplored Clinton's actions it is the Republic party that screams about morality all the time and they are the ones caught with their pants down all the time.
I can't wait for Beck's next program.
"I don't have many female friends, because I'm always worried I'll say something that will make me seem like a misogynistic sexual predator."
If this young lady was black Beck would have said "I have some fried chicken and watermelon, why don't you drop by?" Then he would complain about how it's black people's fault that he can't seem to relate to them.
Beck is apparently the new O'Reilly. An annoying, smug, shallow, lazy, dishonest, Republican-leaning conservative who pretends to be an independent who criticizes all sides, and who is a pervert at the same time. The only difference is that Glenn Beck does it on the air.
THANK YOU.
njguy93@yahoo.com
For someone who spends so much time moralizing and whining about how persecuted he feels as an alleged Christian as Beck and others tend to do, it is fair game to point out when he goes from his regular brand of creepiness to a level that involves leering, drooling and generally acting like "Satan's Mentally Challenged Younger Brother" (a quote which just cemented my admiration for Stephen King)
Beck's an idiot.
He's a crass moron. Unfortunately that comment is probably a knee-slapper to his knuckle-draggin viewers.
It is to some of his "fans".
See comments defending him on this subject on this forum.
Okay, a few observations.
1. "It was only a joke" is not some kind of flipping verbal Get Out of Jail Free card! Unless, perhaps, we should all join in the general hilarity over that knee-slapper about there were these two darkies and this cracker, see, and.... I'm sure you can't object - after all, it's only a joke!
And those of you leaping to sneer at me for "equating" a "casual remark" with some astonishingly racist crack or another can just sit back down at your desks, children: What's being addressed is not precisely how offensive Beck was but the logic of his defenders here of declaring that a supposed "joke" by definition must be held harmless.
2. The assertion that unless Sansing sues Beck for sexual harassment there is no basis for objection - even to the point that it would show she found the crack inoffensive - is just ridiculously absurd. First, her reaction - stony silence - is a clear enough expression of her feeling about what he said.
Second, I don't know if this rose to the level of actionable sexual harassment. I don't care. That's a distraction, an attempt to change the subject by arguing increasingly narrow points instead of the actual thrust.
And that thrust is that Beck's crack was sexist, it was offensive, it was perceived as offensive by its target, and it's not the first time he's pulled this nonsense; instead, he's done it enough to consider it a pattern. Sue him? Maybe not. Slap his mouth? I'd like to see that.
3. Finally, to those of you who keep insisting on dismissing this: You don't get to decide whether or not someone else is allowed to be offended by what is said to or about them.You are not the sole arbiters of what is and isn't offensive to others. You do not get to say that because you find it inoffensively funny, everyone else is required to feel the same.
The truth is, the more you try to dismiss this as "just a joke" the more you make yourselves into one.
I'm not worthy... I'm not worthy... I'm not worthy...
Excellent. I suspect the subjects of your much-deserved criticism will reward you with silence, or perhaps some slippery subject-changing.
Beck et. al. are what we used to call indecent, irresponsible, and in big trouble with the FCC. It's this "anything goes" mentality, that is expected and accepted, that will continue to do harm to our country until someone with the guts to take over our government and really practice what they preach. With the majority of politicians doing and saying, shamlessly, outright lies and slander seems to be the new norm. I also fear that the new Democrates are weak and vunerable to the very same behaviours they claim they want to change. A taste of real power and real money WILL corrupt a number of them to the point of total loss of memory (those memories are the promises of returning to Public Service, not self-service). Yes, this world is slowly crumbling down around us and take my word, from a tired Vietnam vet, that no one really gives much of a damn anymore. Wonder how the great HAVES will feel standing in a bread line?
Not sure where Beck's show is filmed...BUT:
California Law States:
Verbal Harassment - epithets, derogatory comments or slurs. Examples: name-calling, belittling, sexually explicit or degrading words to describe an individual, sexually explicit JOKES (oh my god, no way!) comments about an employee's anatomy and/or dress, sexually oriented noises or remarks, questions about a person's sexual practices (fit's this one too!), use of patronizing terms or remarks, verbal abuse, graphic verbal commentaries about the body.
-Copyright 2000 California Chamber of Commerce
Now someone please explain how his remarks do not fit this legal definition....please!
This is why many people simply believe conservatives are jerks. They can't accept that what they say might be construed as offensive, rude or crass. This only illustrates how jerky they really are. Everyone else just has a lousy sense of humor or they place ridiculous standards of what is offensive (like sexual harrasment having to meet a legal standard to be valid.) Beck, like some of his bretheren posting here, simply comes off as an immature teenager. Who you could forgive because they simply don't know any better. Grown men should. His comment was offensive and harrassing.
But when someone does call them out, normally one of 2 things happens.
1. The people who are critical of jerks like Beck are told that, like in this case, that it's "just a joke." He was only joking. How come liberals don't have a sense of humor. Bear in mind that most democrats, and republicans that I know and am friends with, would find this allegedly "witty" quip to be demeaning, harassing, and just plain old not funny. But they spring to his defense, "You don't understand his humor, it was a joke." Sort of like how Ann Coulter says every hateful thing that falls from her mouth is a "joke". Well, she is a joke, and so is Beck. He's proven it time and again, and he's done it again today.
2. If they don't defend what this arsehat is saying by calling it a "joke", then the next thing to use for the defense is the old, "Why is society so politically correct these days? Can't we say anything without being criticized? The PC police are on the hunt.." or some other such nonsense.
Too often, much too often, conservative talk show hosts, news anchors, and radio broadcasters are not held to account for the rampantly awful things that they say. And when someone does criticize them for the context of WHAT they said, they attack the person being critical of them, and they don't try to refute what the person said, but instead use personal smears and attacks to justify what they have said before.
Anyway, Beck has stepped over the line before, he's done it again here, and I'm certain that he'll do it again in the very near future. It's just sad that a news station puts him on there to promote their station and their format.
This is a Definition of Sexual Harassment
Did it make her uncomfortable. Yes, we all saw & heard.
Was it sexual in nature. We all agree.
Is it sexual harassment. Of course.
So how is it that some little boy hijacks what could be a real conversation? Does anyone here (besides Tommeh) actually believe that this does not represent sexual harassment in its clearest, dumbest form? I have yet to show this to someone who wasn't visibly uncomfortable, and I don't think I know anyone who can watch this without gasping.
Beck is the most unfunny homophobe/racist/sexist man with a show. Others may be worse, but he has got to be the most unfunny.
Once again...no one is considering the CONTEXT. To me, its clear that in the interview, Beck was trying to illustrate how having suggestive photos of yourself lurking out there could come back to haunt you - like Ms. Barba on American Idol. By asking the question, he was merely pointing out how stupid it would be for someone to agree to "take some photos".
Slobber, yeah, hubba-hubba. This other woman had some interesting photos. You're one hot number, baby. Wanna, you know? Yeah baby... you and me. Right now. Lets have at it. I'll take pictures, and maybe you'll regret it later. Sproing!!
Opps, did my point make you uncomfortable? Guess I was just wanting to really get across to the moronic Beck watchers that there is a difference between making a point, and sexual harassment.
Anyway, I didn't mean anything sexual. I was referring to simply taking photos, right? Nothing in there to get me in trouble. So what if it made you uncomfortable... that would be your problem.
Blame the victim, 101.
Scooter, What's you're point?
Again, Beck is trying to make the point of how easy it is to be ruined by a photo. He asks her the question about "taking a photo" to make that point. Just the OPPOSITE of what MMFA is alleging. Also, look closely at her reaction - she never actually heard the question.
Look, I listen to Beck all the time (sorry. I'm a fan - ban me). There are plenty of times he's said stupid things and put his foot in his mouth - but this ain't one of them.
That is your interpretation. Mine is he was coming on to her. Maybe the two parties will elaborate, maybe it will get decided in a court of law.
But hear this, if that was my daughter, Glenn Beck would have some serious apologizing to due, of face a lawsuit.
Look, I listen to Beck all the time (sorry. I'm a fan - ban me). There are plenty of times he's said stupid things and put his foot in his mouth - but this ain't one of them. - Goodfella57
Well at least your able to admit your a fan of a sexist, chauvinistic, hypocrtical, Bill Oreilly wanna be. This man makes comments such as this to be known as the "rebel" of "television news". He know's sites like MMFA are listening to every hate mongering word he spues and lives it up everytime he is posted on here. Bad publicity still equals ratings in our society.
Chauvinistic
If you just read the transcript, it's harmless. And that was my first reaction. But when I saw the video, did you SEE the look on her face? She did not look happy. IF he was joking, I hope he apologized to her because she looked horrified.
Beck had just gotten through explaining that people shouldn't "take stupid photos and expect those to be, you know, locked away forever." As a general rule don't take stupid chances in the media.
As soon as he does that be takes a stupid chance less than a minute later all hinging on the hope that someone he doesn't know won't be offended by his little joke (Was it really a joke?) at the end.
How does pretending to be a sexual harrasser supposed to be funny anyway? Nobody who would think that a joke is funny would take five or six seconds before beginning to laugh like Sansing did. Whatever she lightly laughed at, it wasn't the joke.
Someone please explain to me why I should think that Beck's joke was funny and why Sansing SHOULD NOT be offended.
Futhermore, Why should Sansing think it was funny?
reguardless of how you feel about Media Matters this clip is relavent in that it shows just how much of a slimeball this Beck character is. Isnt that sexual harrasment? While his wife and kids are at home...
Next time Beck, or one of these other wingnut yappers have something to say about Bill Clinton's c*ck . . .
Maybe if MMFA had played the rest of the interview, you all would have realized that they got along just fine for the rest of the interview. In fact, I think Sansing's closing statement says a lot about MMFA:
I think beck is very upfront that he's not perfect ("recovering scumbag/alcoholic/rodeo clown" etc). Sometimes he does go on crusades, but we all screw up. But no, it's black-and-white for many in the MMFA community.
As for harassment, why can't we all just deal with what happens instead of sobbing for someone (or their money) to coddle us when someone makes an off-color remark? Ohhh! The humanity! I've been harassed! Where's my lawyer? Just deal with it. Grow up. Stop whining like a child.
Finally, I've noticed that a lot of beck fans are confused. What he usually does is hyperbole, not so much sarcasm.
I would say this comment is a prime example of hyperbole - that is, taking an idea to an absurd extreme to prove a point. Thinking people who are made of tougher stuff than Jello pudding would understand that.
First of all, I fail to see how what Sansing said makes it any less creepy that Beck offered to take nude photos of her out of the blue. As for your (and others') "lighten up" attitude, you are missing the point entirely. What he said was entirely inappropriate, whether he was being sarcastic, hyperbolic, or whatever.
I could call you the most colossal idiot ever and say that you smell funny too, and call it a hyperbolic metaphor for my dislike to you. But in saying so, I'd still be disrespecting you and acting childish. No matter what excuse of intent there is for Beck's conduct, he committed sexual harassment.
Finally, I've noticed that a lot of beck fans are confused. What he usually does is hyperbole, not so much sarcasm.
I think you're right about that, but...
I would say this comment is a prime example of hyperbole - that is, taking an idea to an absurd extreme to prove a point.
...what was the point he was trying to make here?
Has anybody here ever sat down and watched a full episode of Glenn Beck's news program? The few times that I've done so has left me feeling kind of puzzled about why he's on CNN. It's clear he's not one of the great thinkers of our time, the first five minutes of any of his new programs reveal this. I would go as far as saying that Mr. Beck's intelligence is below average.
And that's the part that puzzles me.. why would a global news corporation hire someone that is so clearly on the bottom of the intellectual totem pole? If all of this is about ratings then CNN should have just hired a midget & snake charming magician to fill in that void, for christ's sake, at least that would have some possibility of generating momentary bursts of amusement.
The wikipedia article on Glenn Beck is quite revealing of his character,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glenn_Beck
Glenn Beck and our current president seem to have a few things in common.. both are former alcoholics (Bush's status in this regard may be in dispute) and both found Jesus during/after recovering from their addictions.
Here is an excellent article from counterpunch that may shed some light on Glenn's weird and disturbing behaviour. Yes, the article is about George Bush but both seem to fit the diagnosis.
http://www.counterpunch.org/wormer1011.html
Well, its definitely nice to have JJackson and Goodfella {not to mention Tommy, Leatherhead, and the usual suspects} around to always clarify what Glenn Beck, Rush Limpballs, et. al. mean when they make a racist or sexist "joke" . . .
Its AMAZING that you all have such insight into the wingnut neocon talking-head mind . . .
Now, IF, as you claim, Beck was trying to highlight how Barba's bad behavior could come back to haunt her, he could have simply said so . . .
Instead, he says to another female guest: "Dina, I've got some time and a camera. Why don't you stop by?"
Several seconds of silence.
No reply.
Beck: "No? OK."
I fail to see how that can't be interpreted as an INVITATION rather than as an ADMONISHMENT.
Wait a minute....is this the doofus who referred to a recent guest as a "Puerto Rican immigrant"?
Hey Einstein....Puerto Rico is a UNITED STATES TERRITORY! Its residents have been U.S. CITIZENS since 1917! There is no such thing as a "Puerto Rican immigrant".
Idiot!