It wasn’t House testimony. It was a publicity stunt set up to look like a real hearing .... something the media overlooks in their descriptions of Fluke. I am not aware that she has ever testified at a House hearing, at least not in relation to the current kerfluffle. So .... does willingly participating in a publicity stunt make you a public figure? My vote would be ‘yes’.
Also, Allred mischaracterizes the content of Rush’s apology. Rush’s ‘apology’ did not acknowledge anything other than he should have been more careful with his choice of words. That was it ... ‘choice of words’. Rush may have been careless in his choice of words, but that apology was VERY carefully worded .... I’m sure HIS attorney took a good look at it before it ever went out.
Absolutely. Fluke got on the soapbox and advocated her politcal position. Her speech is protected by the 1st amendment and so is anyone who has a dissenting view. Rush could call her a slut every day, but he is protected, just like Fluke. Alred knows this.