Harlem Hate Pastor Leads Screamfest For MSNBC To Fire "Coon" Al Sharpton

Saturday afternoon unhinged Harlem hate Pastor James David Manning led a bizarre screaming rally outside a midtown Sheraton where he accused "nappy-haired" MSNBC commentator Al Sharpton of having AIDS, also calling him a "coon" and a "pimp." Sharpton's supporters booed Manning, for which they were called "pinch-nose Negroes" who are probably carrying "books of food stamps." Somehow nobody got arrested.

PREVIOUSLY ON JMG: Last week Manning declared that Christians must be willing to kill to "stop sodomites." In the last few months Manning has claimed that Starbucks laces their lattes with "sodomite semen" (which can get women pregnant), that former President George H.W. Bush has had "anal sex with 100 men," that all gay Americans will "become cannibals" by next year, that Islamists are justified to execute homosexuals, that Justin Bieber is a transgender man, and that Christian preachers should call gay men "faggots" as often as possible. High-profile anti-gay figures regularly appear on Manning's YouTube show, including Peter LaBarbera.

MSNBC: Dan Savage Argues Indiana With Hater Ryan Anderson And Michael Steele

Pew Ranks "Trusted" News Outlets

From the Pew Research report:

Those with consistently conservative political values are oriented around a single outlet—Fox News—to a much greater degree than those in any other ideological group: Nearly half (47%) of those who are consistently conservative name Fox News as their main source for government and political news. Far fewer choose any other single source: Local radio ranks second, named by 11%, with no other individual source named by more than 5% of consistent conservatives. Those with mostly conservative views also gravitate strongly toward Fox News – 31% name it as their main source, several times the share who name the next most popular sources, including CNN (9%), local television (6%) and radio (6%) and Yahoo News (6%).

On the left of the political spectrum, no single outlet predominates. Among consistent liberals, CNN (15%), NPR (13%), MSNBC (12%) and the New York Times (10%) all rank near the top of the list. CNN is named by just 20% of those with mostly liberal views, but still tops their list, followed by local television (11%) and NPR (9%). Both MSNBC and Fox News are mentioned by 5% of those who are mostly liberal. Those in other ideological groups name the New York Times, NPR and MSNBC less frequently as top news sources.

Respondents with a roughly equal mix of liberal and conservative values also have a diffuse mix of news providers. CNN (20%) and local television (16%) are the most frequently-named top sources, with a long list of other news sources named by fewer than one-in-ten. Fox News (8%) is among the most-named sources in this “long tail,” along with Yahoo News (7%) and Google News (6%), both of which primarily aggregate and highlight news produced by other outlets.

For the record, I highly trust last place Buzzfeed's Chris Geidner.

MSNBC Flubs Photo Of Ann B. Davis

MSNBC Host Thomas Roberts Apologizes For Strange Cinco De Mayo Segment

For the last two days right wing sites have been blasting MSNBC for a brief but bizarre Cinco De Mayo segment which featured a sombrero-wearing host swigging from a Corona bottle and rattling a maraca. Today Thomas Roberts issued an apology following a blistering denouncement from the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. An excerpt:

This is simply the worst example I have seen of a discriminatory stereotypical portrayal of any community by any media. The fact that this was done by a news organization is abominable. This wasn't a chance occurrence. This was a planned segment where many decision makers at MSNBC's Way Too Early program agreed on the content and execution which concluded on what was seen nationwide. It feeds to the ignorant misconceptions of a rich and proud people who unfortunately are too often portrayed as caricatures to be scoffed at. The National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) denounces the actions taken by the MSNBC journalists for their capricious actions, lack of judgment, insensitivity and attack of the Mexican community. The segment clearly proves that diversity is lacking at the Way Too Early program. Too often mistakes like these are made because the people making them are not representative of the community the content portrays.

Monday's segment is in the second clip below.

Ed Shultz Slams Right Wing Talkers For Earning Millions From Conservative Groups

Worst Television Graphic In History?

MSNBC's graphics editor was, of course, referring to the four BASE jumpers who parachuted from the top of 1 World Trade Center, the news of which has added to already huge scandal regarding lapses in the tower's security.  But what an unfortunate choice of words. Teabagger sites are exploding with outraged posts that are also laden with plenty of glee as MSNBC has long been their favorite cable target.

Fox News: Most & Least Trusted Network

In a Public Policy Polling survey released today, Fox News tops the list of the most AND least trusted news networks.

35% of Americans say they trust Fox News more than any other TV news outlet, followed by 14% for PBS, 11% for ABC, 10% for CNN, 9% for CBS, 6% each for Comedy Central and MSNBC, and 3% for NBC. It leads the way because of its continuing near total support among Republicans as the place to go for news- 69% of Republicans say it's their most trusted source with nothing else polling above 7%.

Meanwhile Democrats are split between a lot of different outlets when it comes to who they have the most faith in- PBS at 21%, CNN and ABC at 18%, and CBS and MSNBC at 12% all poll in double digits. It's interesting that while Fox News and MSNBC are often thought of as equivalent, Fox News is by far and away the most trusted source of GOP voters while MSNBC is only tied for 4th among Democrats.

Fox News also leads the 'least trusted' list in our annual poll. 33% give it that designation to 19% for MSNBC, 14% for Comedy Central, 11% for CNN, 5% for ABC, 4% for CBS, and 2% each for NBC and PBS. That's largely because 57% of Democrats give it their least trusted designation, with only Comedy Central at 18% also hitting double digits with them. MSNBC leads the way among Republicans at 38%, but CNN at 17% and Comedy Central at 13% both hit double digits as well. It's interesting to note that Republicans seem to hate MSNBC more than Democrats like it.

Breakout details of the survey are here.

Reince Preibus: Despite Apology, MSNBC Remains On Probation With The GOP

Via Mediaite:

On Thursday, Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus demanded that GOP politicians and committee staffers boycott MSNBC after the network sent out a tweet accusing the “rightwing” of being offended by a commercial featuring a biracial family. On Thursday night, Priebus joined Fox News Channel host Sean Hannity where he lauded MSNBC President Phil Griffin for quickly responding to the controversy. He warned, however, that the network was “on probation.” “In their professed world of tolerance, they’re sure hitting on all eight cylinders of intolerance,” Priebus said of MSNBC. He reveled that he called Griffin personally and left a message asking for an apology and asking for a corrective action.

The SPLC notes that for all his "raaaacist" screams, Preibus had no problem a few weeks ago when he appeared on the radio show of the KKK-affiliated Tony Perkins, who also once spoke before Louisiana's White Citizens Council, which opposes "race mixing" and calls black people "a retrograde species of humanity."

GOP Calls For Boycott Of MSNBC, Bans All RNC Staffers From Working With NetworkUPDATE: MSNBC Fires Twitter Staffer, Apologizes For Third Time

Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus has issued a call for a boycott of MSNBC over yesterday's tweet which suggested that "right wingers" would hate the biracial family featured in a new Cheerios commercial. The tweet was deleted almost immediately and was followed by two tweeted apologies. Via Breitbart:

"Until you personally and publicly apologize for this behavior, I have banned all RNC staff from appearing on, associating with, or booking any RNC surrogates on MSNBC. I have asked Republican surrogates and officials to follow our lead," Priebus told MSNBC President Phil Griffin in a letter sent today. Priebus also sent a memo to Republican officials and surrogates urging them not to appear on the network until Griffin apologizes. "This is more than just a tweet or an offhand comment. This is part of a pattern of behavior that has gotten markedly worse, and until Phil Griffin personally apologizes and takes corrective action, we cannot be part of this network's toxic programming," Priebus said. "MSNBC hosts---including Alec Baldwin, Martin Bashir, Melissa Harris-Perry, Alex Wagner, and Ronan Farrow just to name a few---have had a troubling streak in the last several weeks of making comments that belittle and demean Americans without furthering any thoughtful dialogue. Perhaps it's time for the executives at MSNBC to consider whether their network is upholding a meaningful journalistic mission," the Wisconsin Republican added.

As I noted in my post about this nonsense earlier today, neither Breitbart nor Preibus seem to remember that General Mills had to block commenting on the last Cheerios commercial because of the thousands of racist comments being made by God's Gentle People. Many of those comments mocked President Obama for being biracial himself.

UPDATE: MSNBC has issued another apology and fired their Twitter person.  From MSNBC president Phil Griffin, here is the apology that was read on the air this afternoon.

“The tweet last night was outrageous and unacceptable. We immediately acknowledged it was offensive and wrong, apologized and deleted it. We have dismissed the person responsible for the tweet. I personally apologize to Mr. Priebus and to everyone offended. At MSNBC, we believe in passionate, strong debate about the issues, and we invite voices from all sides to participate. That will never change. Signed, Phil Griffin.”

Rachel Maddow Vs. Rep. Tim Huelskamp

If you didn't catch this craziness last night:

A question over the inclusion of Army Sgt. 1st Class Cory Remsburg at Tuesday’s State of the Union address spiraled into a policy-spanning battle between MSNBC host Rachel Maddow and Rep. Tim Huelskamp (R-KS), who accused her of hiding from what his party calls the truth about the Benghazi attack. “This administration promised to be the most transparent in history, Rachel,” an animated Huelskamp told Maddow. “And if you would stop being a cheerleader and be a journalist, you’d recognize that we’re not getting those answers.” “Did you just call me a cheerleader?” Maddow asked. “I don’t know, maybe you have that history,” Huelskamp scoffed, before saying, “If it was [George W.] Bush, you would be jumping and screaming.” “You’re amazing,” a visibly perturbed Maddow said.

Things get going around the 5:00 mark. If case you're unaware, Huelskamp is among the most virulently anti-gay teabaggers in the House.

Brian Brown Appears On MSNBC

Brian Brown appeared on an MSNBC panel this weekend where he declared that if a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage were to make it onto the Indiana ballot, "We'll see North Carolina all over again." Josh Barro gets in some good shots.

Cheering From Teabagistan

Martin Bashir Resigns From MSNBC

Sarah Palin has gotten her scalp. Martin Bashir today announced his resignation from MSNBC. Mediaite has his statement:

After making an on-air apology, I asked for permission to take some additional time out around the Thanksgiving holiday. Upon further reflection, and after meeting with the President of MSNBC, I have tendered my resignation. It is my sincere hope that all of my colleagues, at this special network, will be allowed to focus on the issues that matter without the distraction of myself or my ill-judged comments. I deeply regret what was said, will endeavor to work hard at making constructive contributions in the future and will always have a deep appreciation for our viewers – who are the smartest, most compassionate and discerning of all television audiences. I would also wish to express deepest gratitude to my immediate colleagues, and our contributors, all of whom have given so much of themselves to our broadcast.

MSNBC, which had been mum about Bashir's recent absence other than to say he was on vacation, has issued a brief statement from president Phil Griffin: "Martin Bashir resigned today, effective immediately. I understand his decision and I thank him for three great years with MSNBC. Martin is a good man and respected colleague – we wish him only the best."

Cartwheels are ensuing on Breitbart, Twitchy, and other Tea Party sites which have been demanding Bashir's firing for several weeks.

Alec Baldwin Blames Firing On GLAAD And Andrew Sulllivan (Plus Himself)

"Martin Bashir's on the air, and he made his comment on the air! I dispute half the comment I made If I called him 'cocksucking maggot' or a 'cocksucking motherfucker'... 'faggot' is not the word that came out of my mouth. That I know. But you've got the fundamentalist wing of gay advocacy— Rich Ferraro and Andrew Sullivan—they're out there, they've got you. Rich Ferraro, this is probably one of his greatest triumphs. They killed my show. And I have to take some responsibility for that myself." - Alec Baldwin, speaking to Gothamist.

GLAAD Vice President Rich Ferraro emails us: "I consider GLAAD's campaigns to end the Boy Scout of America's ban on gay scouts, raise national visibility of the violence and inequality facing transgender people, and battling for marriage equality to be among my 'greatest triumphs.' But if a teacher, coach, local radio show host, or parent realizes that anti-LGBT slurs are outdated and unacceptable because of this Baldwin issue, I guess we'll call it a win. Alec Baldwin's team has not been open to turning this incident into an opportunity for public education and that's unfortunate."

MSNBC Fires Alec Baldwin

Above is the spin from the right-wing New York Post. A spokesman for Baldwin confirms the story but "quibbles" with the word "fired." (Tipped by JMG reader Todd)

Palin Accepts Martin Bashir's Apology

Palin was on Fox News Sunday this morning where she said that she accepts the apology of MSNBC host Martin Bashir. Then she went on with her usual Mama Grizzly routine.

“As for the networks condoning those type of statements—because there’s been no punishment of a fella who said these words—that’s hypocrisy, that’s a given, though, when a conservative woman says something that they take offense, they usually just kind of poo-poo it, laugh it off as no big deal,” Palin said. “As for personally taking shots—everybody in life takes shots. You have a decision in life when you take a shot: are you going to become bitter or better? In a case like this: I don’t have to accept his words, his vile, evil comments, they don’t have to affect me. I move on and charge forth.”

“However, if Mr. Bashir, or anybody else in this media elite bubble that they put themselves in were to attack someone who is defenseless, like a vulnerable child, who does not have that podium, that microphone that god has blessed me to be able to express my opinion, if they don’t have that type of platform to defend themselves—well, if you want to see a Mama Grizzly get riled up and slap that person down, then you come after that vulnerable child,” Palin said. “In this case, he didn’t come after a vulnerable child. I can defend myself.”

Quote Of The Day - Alec Baldwin

"I've loved men in my life. There are some men I've loved in my life as much, if not more, than the women in my life. I don't have a sexual preference for men ... but I've loved men.  I've been in love with about three or four men, as much, if not more, than any woman I've loved. I don't wanna have a sexual relationship with them." - Alec Baldwin, speaking last night on what some are calling his "apology tour."

Breitbart Headline Of The Day

Palin is really milking this one.

Palin PAC Writes To MSNBC: Why Haven't You Disciplined Martin Bashir?

"We would now like to know what disciplinary measures you are taking about Martin Bashir’s appalling statement on his MSNBC show last Friday that someone should defecate and/or urinate in Governor Palin’s mouth because she used the word 'slavery' to describe the burden the federal debt will have on future generations of Americans. You fired Don Imus for offensive language in describing the Rutgers University Women’s Basketball team, you suspended Alec Baldwin, and yet nothing has happened to Mr. Bashir. Are we to assume then, that disciplinary procedures at your network take place based on the target of the remarks rather than the remarks themselves?

"Last week, MNSBC suspended Alec Baldwin's show, Up With Alec Baldwin, for two weeks after Baldwin was caught on camera using anti-gay slurs at a photographer on the streets of New York. Mr. Baldwin’s anti-gay slur was not uttered while he was on the air on your network, but Mr. Bashir’s violent rhetoric was. Americans deserve to know that your network doesn’t condone violent and hateful rhetoric directed at anyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or political persuasion." - Sarah PAC, in a letter sent to the presidents of NBC News and MSNBC.