Your Media: Air America Suspends Host

Acerbic Air America host, Randi Rhodes, has been indefinitely suspended from her 3-hour afternoon drive program for profane rants directed against Senator Hillary Clinton and former Congresswoman Geraldine Ferraro. Her remarks were off air, but given at an event sponsored by Air America and an affiliate station.

An over-the-top Rhodes got a mixed reaction from her audience (via Fox News):

During what was an apparent stand-up routine, Rhodes attacked Ferraro, the former vice presidential candidate, for saying that Clinton rival Barack Obama has benefited in the Democratic presidential race because he is black."Geraldine Ferraro turned out to be the David Duke in drag. Who knew?" Rhodes said to laughter. "What a whore Geraldine Ferraro is, she's such a f*****g whore."

A few minutes later, Rhodes said"Hillary is a big f*****g whore too." She then suggested Clinton was trying to force her way into the Democratic nomination by manipulating pledged delegates. "Oh, f**k you, okay, f**k you," she said.

The show ran 45 minutes, but the clip making its way through the internet is a lttle over 5 minutes of the worst portions. I won't embed the video here - it's far too graphic. If you're really interested it can be found here.

Air America's statement and my reaction after the break.

The statement released by Air America chairman Charlie Kireker released to The Huffington Post earlier today:

Air America has suspended on-air host Randi Rhodes for making inappropriate statements about prominent figures, including Senator Hillary Clinton, at a recent public appearance on behalf of Air America in San Francisco which was sponsored by an Air America affiliate station.

Air America encourages strong opinions about public affairs but does not condone such abusive, ad hominem language by our Hosts," said chair Charlie Kireker.

I've been a long-time listener of Air America and have had a love-hate relationship with Randi. What she has done here, on company time, is beyond the pale. Have your opinions, criticize and mock those you oppose from you public perch, but save your f-bombs and whore-flinging for the bar with your friends. Neither Clinton nor Ferraro deserve to be publically called whores.

I wonder what this latest slip will do the already troubled Air America. Between years of mis-management, poor on air talent and constant schedule changes, this does not bode well for the state of progressive radio such as it is.