Papi Chulo's BLOG

In the News :: Joe Scarborough Suspended by MSNBC for Campaign Donations

Just two weeks after MSNBC suspended Keith Olbermann for donating money to three Democratic political candidates, the cable news network has suspended Morning Joe anchor Joe Scarborough for making similar campaign contributions.

MSNBC President Phil Griffin announced that Scarborough notified him Friday morning that between 2004 and 2008 he had made eight $500 contributions to various local candidates in Florida, where he previously served as a Republican congressional representative.

Upon learning this news, MSNBC suspended Scarborough for two days without pay. He will return to the air on Wednesday, November 24.

Phil Griffin: "In my conversation with Joe two weeks ago, he did not recall these contributions. Since he did not seek or receive prior approval for these contributions, Joe understands that I will be suspending him for violating our policy. As Joe recognizes, it is critical that we enforce our standards and policies."

Scarborough has since apologized for violating the policy.

Joe Scarborough: "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. I apologize to MSNBC and to anyone who has been negatively affected by my actions. This will not happen again."

~Papi Chulo~

In the News :: Donald Trump Discusses Possible 2012 Presidential Run

It seems he really meant it...

Business magnate, socialite, author and television personality Donald Trump is really considering throwing his hat into the race for the 2012 presidency. Appearing on Good Morning America Thursday, the Trumpster revealed that after years of false rumors, he's truly considering the job. And he means it. He will make a final decision by June.

Donald Trump: "I am thinking about things. And I'm looking at this country... and what's happened in terms of respect. And the respect for this country is just not there. I have many people from China that I do business with, they laugh at us. They feel we're fools. And almost being led by fools. And they can't believe what they're getting away with."

Trump believes the U.S. has become a "whipping post" for China because of the nations' trade imbalance and China's currency manipulation. He believes President Barack Obama has tried (and failed) to address that issue.

Donald Trump: "When you have billions in dollars in deficits with a country, those are the trade wars I like. You don't have to do business with China. You don't have to do business with other countries. Would I rather be in the race or not be in the race? I can tell you, I love what I'm doing. I'm having a great time what I'm doing. I'd rather not be in the race."

If Trump runs, it'll be as a Republican and he is willing to spend at least $200 million of his own money in a campaign. Watch out Sarah Palin!

Donald Trump: "I would take her on. I like her, but I'd take her on."

Here's a clip from the GMA interview:

~Papi Chulo~

In the News :: Sarah Palin Says She Could Beat President Obama in 2012

Sarah Palin tells Barbara Walters that she thinks she can beat President Barack Obama in 2012 on this year's 10 Most Fascinating People special, which is set to air Thursday, December 9, 2010 on ABC.

Palin tells Walters that she's seriously considering running for president in 2012.

Here's the clip:

~Papi Chulo~

In the News :: PBS Edits Tina Fey's Joke About Sarah Palin

While accepting the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, Tina Fey made a few jokes about Sarah Palin and conservative female politicians. When the program aired on PBS, the jokes were edited out.

Peter Kaminsky (executive producer): "It was not a political decision. We had zero problems with anything she said."

So why was this bit excised?

Tina Fey: "I would be a liar and an idiot if I didn't thank Sarah Palin for helping get me here tonight. My partial resemblance and her crazy voice are the two luckiest things that have ever happened to me."

The show ran 19 minutes over the its 90-minute allotted time. So, producers had to cut things from the awards show. But, why didn't they cut the career clips that ran between each celebrity speaker? Or why not cut a speaker out entirely? Instead they cut two minutes from Fey's acceptance speech. Two "controversial" minutes.

Tina Fey: "Politics aside, the success of Sarah Palin and women like her is good for all women—except, of course, those who will end up paying for their own rape kit and stuff. But for everybody else, it's a win-win. Unless you're a gay woman who wants to marry your partner of 20 years. Whatever. But for most women, the success of conservative women is good for all of us. Unless you believe in evolution. You know—actually, I take it back. The whole thing's a disaster."

Fey's comments can be heard in the online version of the acceptance speech.

Here's the clip:

~Papi Chulo~

In the News :: Keith Olbermann Relishes Return as MSNBC Lifts Suspension

Keith Olbermann returned to the airwaves last night after being suspended by MSNBC on Friday for donating to three Democratic candidates. The Countdown with Keith Olbermann host learned of the suspension lift on Sunday night.

Phil Griffin (president of MSNBC TV): "I have determined that suspending Keith through and including Monday night's program is an appropriate punishment for his violation of our policy. We look forward to having him back on the air Tuesday night."

Olbermann released a letter that explained his side of the scandal.

Here's an excerpt:

I was suspended without a hearing, and learned of that suspension through the media.

You should also know that I did not attempt to keep any of these political contributions secret; I knew they would be known to you and the rest of the public. I did not make them through a relative, friend, corporation, PAC or any other intermediary, and I did not blame them on some kind of convenient 'mistake' by their recipients…I immediately volunteered to explain all this, on air and off, in the fashion MSNBC desired.

~Papi Chulo~