Five years ago, MSNBC replaced radio host Don Imus, who had been removed from the airwaves for making derogatory comments about a women’s college basketball team, with former Congressman Joe Scarborough. The network’s decision to feature a more conservative perspective was seen as an attempt to add balance to an otherwise left-leaning network.
“Morning Joe” has become a popular alternative to FOX News Channel for those who cannot stomach the Republican propaganda. The show’s contributors often provide an insightful and humorous look at how the US conservative right thinks, while managing to disagree without becoming disagreeable – as long as Joe and his side are winning.
When co-host Mika Brzezinski, a former CBS newswoman, attempts to make a left-leaning point on the show, she is often met with jeers and her opinion is shut down. It is reminiscent of a college fraternity house, where the participants seem to be the only ones who find the antics humorous. Last Thursday’s episode was the epitome of this behavior, almost as bad as the old Hannity & Colmes show on FOX, with Alan Colmes being a timid mouse who never spoke up. In contrast, Mika Brzezinski is an intelligent woman who uses her knowledge to contribute to the show.On Thursday, two days after the second presidential debate, a discrepancy arose in Mitt Romney’s account of how he acquired “binders of women” for potential state office appointments. Romney claimed that he had requested the binders, but the Massachusetts Government Appointments Project (MassGAP) had actually approached both candidates and provided them with resumes of highly qualified women for all state offices. This revelation has raised questions about Romney’s truthfulness, as he has uttered 855 false statements since the start of his campaign in January.
John Halperin’s ‘shut her down’ comment was widely condemned. Steven Rattner attempted to come to her defence, but was shut down. Joe sat with his arms crossed, looking down at her, before calling it “an act of desperation”, while the other men in the room laughed. This went on for almost 18 minutes, until the producer quietly reminded them that the public opinion was overwhelmingly in favour of Mika’s point, and that their behaviour was damaging to women.
Mika held her ground and continued to make her point, while Joe and the crew kept digging themselves into a deeper hole. Mika is highly talented and is well-paid for her work; however, this is not the point.
Joe Scarborough, a Republican apologist, has repeatedly demonstrated his disapproval of the left on the Morning Joe set. His behavior has been likened to that of John Belushi in a frat house, as he often interrupts and belittles his co-host Mika. This show is broadcasted during the morning when families are getting ready for school, and many are concerned about the emotional impact it has on young women and girls, who may feel discouraged from making cogent and thoughtful points when faced with a seemingly Neanderthal-like blowhard.
Mitt Romney’s campaign has been characterized by a disregard for the truth. His religion is known for its subjugation of women, and as a leader in the church, Romney has demonstrated a lack of respect for women’s rights. His debate performances have been praised as CEO-like, yet they are more accurately described as the actions of a bully accustomed to getting his own way.
Romney’s company, Bain Capital, has been responsible for the closure of a Sensata sensor factory that produced components for the automotive industry. The factory has been shipped to China, with Romney personally profiting from the move. Despite his claims of support for the middle class, those in the towns affected by his outsourcing have seen little evidence of his concern for their needs.
The treatment of women in recent times has been appalling. Reproductive services, defence against violence and equal pay have been denied to them, leading to a situation reminiscent of the 1920s. In response, I have written a series of books highlighting the ‘War on Women’, as I am the father of three daughters and cannot stand by whilst this injustice continues.
Joe Scarborough and the MSNBC crew have been accused of intolerable behaviour towards Morning Mika, which is as inexcusable as the racist remarks made by Don Imus. Consequently, they should be suspended immediately and indefinitely without pay.
Cher’s tweet denouncing the behaviour of a group of white men attacking the only woman in the room, then turning their fire on a sitting black President, has sparked outrage. It is a shocking example of what is wrong in America and a reminder that racism and misogyny are still pervasive. It is a reminder that we still have a long way to go in terms of equality and respect for all. This is not the America we know and love, and it is not the America we want to see in the future.
