HaHa! MSNBC suspends Scarborough for campaign donations

[jefferson_dem]

MSNBC suspends Scarborough for campaign donations
By: Kenneth P. Vogel
November 19, 2010 01:37 PM EST

MSNBC said Friday that it is suspending “Morning Joe” co-host Joe Scarborough for two days after he acknowledged giving eight previously unknown $500 contributions to friends and family members running for state and local offices during his tenure at the network, a violation of parent NBC’s ban on political contributions by employees without specific permission from the network president.

“I recognize that I have a responsibility to honor the guidelines and conditions of my employment, and I regret that I failed to do so in this matter,” Scarborough said in a statement. “I apologize to MSNBC and to anyone who has been negatively affected by my actions,” said, adding that after he was made aware of some of the contributions, he called MSNBC president Phil Griffin “and agreed with Phil's immediate demand of a two-day suspension without pay.”

POLITICO had sought comment from the network after finding evidence that Scarborough gave at least five separate previously unknown $500 contributions while serving as an MNBC host – all to Republican candidates to whom he was close who were running for state legislative seats in or near Scarborough’s hometown of Pensacola, Fla. After being contacted by POLITICO about the donations, Scarborough voluntarily disclosed three other $500 contributions to a friend running for county office in Florida.

Scarborough’s suspension, during which he will not be paid, will end Wednesday, Griffin said in a statement, adding “As Joe recognizes, it is critical that we enforce our standards and policies.”

The disciplinary action against Scarborough, a former Republican congressman who also writes a weekly column for POLITICO, came two weeks after MSNBC announced it was suspending “Countdown” host Keith Olbermann “indefinitely” for three contributions he made to Democratic candidates during the 2010 campaign cycle. The network later reduced the suspension to two days.

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http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1110/45411.html

[Catherine Vincent]

1. MSNBC needs to change their policy on contributions

It's not their business on who private citizens contribute to. Yes, his show is political but as long as he doesn't show verbal support for the politician of his choice and report the news as he's supposed to then there should be no problem.

[Mimosa]

3. That makes perfect sense, Catherine.

Therefore, they probably won't do it.

[jefferson_dem]

12. No shit.

The policy is obviously stupid.

Nonetheless, I'm starting to wonder if this is really just a marketing gimmick -- you know, MSNBC's effort to distinguish itself from FauxNews.

[Kolesar]

25. This is a publicity gimmick for Joe and the network...eom

[monmouth]

2. How convenient they waited until the upcoming holiday so he can

have a week in Florida....The only difference this "vacation" will be his not being paid. What a joke, Griffin trying not to look partial....

[Justitia]

6. That was exactly what I thought - Thanksgiving vacation. -eom

[hughee99]

14. Some would sugget it was convenient they waited until after the election

to suspend KO, since he was probably due for a few days off after all the work he put in leading up to it.

[rfranklin]

4. Both he and Olberman are commentators with obvious leanings...

They are not journalists in the strictest sense.

[gkhouston]

5. Can we refrain from complaining to MSNBC about this? Pretty please?

I think Joe should feel our love. }(

[Justitia]

7. I'll only complain when they let him back on. -eom

[Ichingcarpenter]

8. Reinstate Joe website set up to help joe

You can help joe at this website


www.ikilledmyinternreinstatemepleasecom

[malaise]

20. That's a freaking DUzy

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[golddigger]

21. Haha!

:rofl:

[gratuitous]

9. Oh just wait until the public outpouring of support hits

Pig-eyed Joe will be restored to his previous position in no time!

Ooh listen: Crickets!

[proud2BlibKansan]

10. "after he was made aware of the contributions" huh???

He didn't know that HE had made contributions????

[Barack_America]

19. Then he suddenly remembered even more!

And finally 'fessed up to his boss about them.

My ass. He knew about them all along and lied to his boss and everyone else about them until he was caught.

[unblock]

11. see, fair and balanced, equal treatment of right and left!

nevermind that keith had the threat of a permanent firing and needed to muster massive popular support in order to save his job, whereas joe scab knows in advance that it's only for 2 days.

[Poboy]

17. Right . Where is the 'indefinite suspension'? And on a holiday break.

Bullshit.

[hughee99]

18. In this case, KO set the precedent for the punishment.

How do they give KO and Joe different punishments for the same offense just a few weeks apart?

[polichick]

13. I'd love it if he never returned to the network - that show needs two new hosts...

...and new sidekicks too.

[Octafish]

15. Did Joe ever address the dead intern in his office?

Most people I bring that up with have not heard about the story:

Joe Scarborough and Corporate McPravda want you to forget Lori Klausutis.

While I remember hearing the Markos did bring it up once on-air, I'd like to know Joe's side -- for fair and balanced's sake.

[Dr Fate]

16. Meanwhile, Gary Condit (D-innocent) has his life & career ruined.

What pissed me off is that these two news stories occurred right around the same time. Of course, the media went after the "D" and left the "Magic R" alone.

[slay]

22. Joe DEAD INTERN Scarborough

it is amazing to me how that whole thing was either covered-up or ignored by most of the MSM. What is MSNBC doing having asshats like him and Pat Buchanan on their paid staff anyways?

[SoCalDem]

24. Yes he DID.. when RACHEL confronted him on live tv about it

and why she will NEVER be back on his show. or even mentioned..:)

[polichick]

27. Are you kidding or did she really do that? If she did, what did he say? nt

[SoCalDem]

29. Oops... he was PISSED...but it was Markos Moulitsas

http://www.pensitoreview.com/2010/07/09/scarboroughs-twitter-snit-revives-his-own-2001-dead-intern-scandal/

here's the run in he had with Rachel.. I got the two mixed up..although she HAS talked about it on her show..

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/7/3/195510/5814

more Joey tantrums..videos
http://wn.com/Joe_Scarborough

[polichick]

30. Thanks! It's crazy how the girl's death was never fully investigated...

...I wonder why her family accepted that.

[Lucian]

23. I wonder how many people will sign a petition to get him back on the air...

vs Keith Olbermann.

I'm betting not nearly as many. :)

[tishaLA]

26. I'm thinking of starting one telling Griffin to punish him more harshly

and preferably in public.

[gulliver]

28. Will Fox News rush to his defense?

Somehow I doubt it, but let's see.