Air America Host 'Jokingly' Calls for Bush Hit

NewsMax.com ^ | Carl Limbacher and the NewsMax.com staff

[kattracks]

One of the leading hosts on the unofficial radio network of the Democratic Party recommended in an apparent "joke" earlier this week that President Bush should be assassinated, reports the New York Daily News.

Comparing Bush and his family to the Corleones of "Godfather" fame, Air America host Randi Rhodes reportedly unleashed this zinger during her Monday night broadcast: "Like Fredo, somebody ought to take him out fishing and phuw. "

Rhodes then imitated the sound of a gunshot.

In "Godfather II," Fredo Corleone is executed by brother Michael at the end of the film.

Even joking allusions to the death of high government officials sometimes bring harsh consequences to the offending radio host.

In 1996, when reports indicated that a lone passenger had survived the crash of a plane carrying then-Commerce Secretary Ron Brown, New York radio host Bob Grant joked: "I have a hunch that survivor is Ron Brown. But I'm a pessimist at heart."

Grant was dropped from WABC Radio over the quip, despite ratings that made him the top talk radio host in New York City. He was picked up two weeks later by WOR, which broadcasts "The Bob Grant Show" from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays.

It could not be determined by press time whether the Secret Service had launched a formal investigation into the Rhodes knee-slapper, as it normally does when the president's life is threatened - even jokingly.

[JusPasenThru]

I wonder what the overall effect comments like this have on the body politic. For example, 20 years ago the gay lobby was very careful to avoid any references to what they actually did to each other, because the details would have grossed out the American electorate. Now everyone is so used to the concept that hearing lurid details about anonymous sex in dimly lit bathhouses no longers shocks anyone. 20 years ago this person would have been summarily dismissed as an idiot and that would be that. However, with the Internet and with Democratic presidential candidates now innoculating the public with this sort of thing, I wonder if these statements are desensitizing enough so that the weaker elements out there actually find this argument compelling.

Or something like that.

By the way, how's this for satire: The entire Air America staff was put in a large box and collectiverly buried under 70 tons of rubble, symbolizing the death of the 3000 innocent people murdered on 9/11. I thnk that's pretty funny.

[cwb]

Don't know if ths was mentioned, but speaking of baseball bats and kneecaps, only a democrat (Carville) could get away with making such threats against a Independent Council. It amazes me the hatred and threats that Democrats can levy, while the media ignores it.

[mrustow]

I wouldn't wish the IRS on my worst enemies.

Just kidding. I WOULD wish the IRS on my worst enemies. Otherwise, what's the point in saying that they're your worst enemies?

[aft_lizard]

FCC
Enforcement Bureau, Investigations and Hearings Division
445 12th Street, SW
Washington, D.C. 20554

or

You can file at fccinfo@fcc.gov

or

Toll Free:
1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322) voice
1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322) tty

[Former Proud Canadian]

These people are nuts, they will say anything.

[montag813]

Bob Grant joked: "I have a hunch that survivor is Ron Brown. But I'm a pessimist at heart." Grant was dropped from WABC Radio over the quip

This was a huge crime against a radio legend. Hannity can't shine Grant's shoes. In NYC I listen to Rush but turn it off when Sean comes in for "Grant Time".

[Joe Boucher]

Ms. Rhodes is on a local radio station out of West Palm Beach directly after Rushs' show. How ironic is that?

She has spewed antiAmerican bile for quite some time. She is anti Bush, anti republican, anti male anti normal sex.
She espouses homosexuality, and that the U.S. military and govt is the problem.

If anyone needs to be visited by a hit man, I can think of
someone I'd like to have it happen to.

[okie01]

"She detests Republicans and wants us all dead."

Just like any other supporter of al-Qaeda, huh?

[Condor51]

Are they still on the air??"

Why they sure are - Shortwave Radio frequencies 9825 & 11825. All you need to pick their signal is a 100' high tower antenna and GOOD headphones.

I'd use 11825 though. I got of bleed-over of morse code on the 9825 frequency.

/sarcasm

[Mr.Atos]

I'll can take credit for the christening, but they have surely earned the title...

[cgk]

Is she dating Kilborne?

[cgk]

We have it on Sirius. Haven't wandered over yet, but I will when I need a laugh.

[cgk]

I just have to add... she just said that the savage murder of Nick Berg was justified because of the civilian dead in Iraq.

And her sponsors are?

[JohnBDay]

If Rush had said that about Clinton during his presidency, there would have been never-ending outrage from liberals.

[randog]

...and was busy cheating on her husband screwing Jack Russell from Great White.

Would that be Jack Russell, Maker of Human Bonfires?

[GregB]

Call my Penna State Republican Party and volunteer...No way...I am not helping Snarlin Arlin get eleted. I help at the County level where there are real republicans to help!!!!

[olde north church]

Damn. I hope that investigation includes a cavity search
A cavity search! I wouldn't go into that with the Red October wrapped around me!!!

[freekitty]

What's joking about this? I fail to see the humor at all.

[MiniCooperChick]

What a *rhymes with witch*. I sincerely hope the Secret Service pays her a visit, and good!

[Morgan's Raider]

I hope they bring chem-lights along.

Chief, I believe road flares would be more appropriate in this case.