Dean Calls FCC Probe of Breast Incident 'Silly'

Reuters News Service ^ | Feb. 2, 2004 | Reuters

[Rennes Templar]

PHOENIX (Reuters) - Sometimes a breast is just a breast. Howard Dean, a physician and a Democratic presidential candidate, on Monday dismissed as "silly" a government inquiry into whether indecency rules were broken during the broadcast of the Super Bowl halftime show when pop diva Janet Jackson's bodice was ripped to expose her right breast.

"I find that to be a bit of a flap about nothing," the former Vermont governor said. "I'm probably affected in some ways by the fact that I'm a doctor, so it's not exactly an unusual phenomenon for me."

During the break in the National Football League's championship game, singer Justin Timberlake reached for Jackson as they sang a duet and tore off part of her black leather bustier.

Federal Communications Commission chairman Michael Powell promised a "thorough and swift" investigation of the stunt aired during one of the most popular American television broadcasts, which also attracts a major worldwide audience.

"In general, I think the FCC does have a role in promoting some reasonable standard of decency," Dean told reporters aboard his campaign plane. "However, considering what's on television these days, I think the FCC is being pretty silly about investigating this."

Dean, who does not have cable television at his home in Burlington, Vermont, said Americans could inadvertently turn on "far worse things" while "cruising through cable at regular viewing hours."

"I don't find it terribly shocking relative to some of the things you can find on standard cable television," he added. "I think the FCC probably has a lot of other things they should be pursuing."

The CBS broadcast prompted widespread outrage and the FCC launched its inquiry after receiving complaints from the public.

[Rennes Templar]

If Dean should become President, they'd better keep an eye on the interns.

[ambrose]

"I don't find it terribly shocking relative to some of the things you can find on standard cable television," he added. "I think the FCC probably has a lot of other things they should be pursuing."

This is exactly what Rush Limbaugh was saying today. Dean is right.

[tet68]

This guy just does NOT know when to keep his mouth shut.
Nobody I want for President.

[Guillermo]

There is no concept of right and wrong with lefties, unless of course, you're a righty who doesn't subscribe to multiculturalism or the homosexual agenda.

[Lunatic Fringe]

"However, considering what's on television these days, I think the FCC is being pretty silly about investigating this."

In other words: it's not as bad as what we already push to kids, so why bother doing anything about it?

Nice attitude.

It's not WHAT happened, people, it's WHERE it happened... at an event that is supposed to be family-oriented.

[Clint Williams]

"I find that to be a bit of a flap flop about nothing,"

[EternalVigilance]

"I find that to be a bit of a flap about nothing," the former Vermont governor said. "I'm probably affected in some ways by the fact that I'm the Doctor of Love, so it's not exactly an unusual phenomenon for me."

[ambrose]

at an event that is supposed to be family-oriented.

And scantily clad cheerleaders are different from what La Toya did in what respect?

Much ado about nothing.

[ItsOurTimeNow]

"I don't find it terribly shocking relative to some of the things you can find on standard cable television,"

But this isn't standard cable television, Dean. This was a national broadcast, available to anyone with a TV and a set of rabbit ears.

If I was flipping through cable stations, and saw this on FX or even Showtime, I wouldn't care. But this debacle was broadcast to anyone and everyone AT EIGHT FREAKIN' PM!!

[DeFault User]

There's gotta be a line here about a boob pandering for attention.

[GodBlessUSA]

I'm so glad my 6 year old was in bed before that show. Maybe it's not a big deal to some adults. Although, my thinking was it's great to have everyone in the family watch Super Bowl. I guess not. :(

[ItsOurTimeNow]

Agreed.

This was a dark moment in sports history. Heads should roll over this garbage.

[tet68]

. "I think the FCC probably has a lot of other things they should be pursuing....things like radical right wing radio and the fanatic Freeper rebellion in it's attempt to take over of the democratically created internet and use it as a base for evil conservative revisionism. Did I mention I was a doctor too? Yes, well I was, so there. Doctors know what's best."

[hope]

Most Dean supporters would appreciate his comments..

You sit down with your family to watch one of America's favorite past times, and something you thought had a shred of decency compared to most of network t.v., only to find a blatant disrespect for those who would not have chosen to see this display of animal behavior during dinner time, family time, and half-time ..If even a football game cannot be family freindly, what now?

[GodBlessUSA]

Yes, they are. They are also presented in a much different light. You don't see the difference? Do you have young children?

[squidly]

Is it legally indecent exposure, since she had that thingy stuck on there? Not sure. In some localities, it's not even technically indecent exposure without the thingy.

[feedback doctor]

"I don't find it terribly shocking relative to some of the things you can find on standard cable television," he added. "I think the FCC probably has a lot of other things they should be pursuing."

This is exactly what Rush Limbaugh was saying today. Dean is right.

Mega Dittos on that. I think it was wrong, and I think J Jackson will regret it in years to come. People like Bruce Springsteen and Neil Diamond are remembered by their great songs, you can name quite a few of them. In 5, 10, or 15 years when (if) Janet Jackson is mentioned, it won't be for her songs, it will be this. And who will be able to even recall what songs she did.

[small voice in the wilderness]

"Please, American People, do NOT try judging for yourselves at home. I am a professional".

[VadeRetro]

His dismissal of the flap strikes me as flip.