As if it wasn't bad enough that the website is rediculously slow, and I can't even listen online anymore without having media player "buffer" every 30 seconds, AAR is now censoring it's talent over crap they said OFF AIR??¿
What is this, Murdock? We're no better than the neo-cons when we start punishing people about what they do off air.
So.... can't listen online, can't read online, and when I do get to a radio... I can't listen to one of my favorite talents on this station because she offended Hillary Clinton? This is a load of crap and a surefire way to guarantee ANOTHER bankruptcy for this station.
Magplad: You are right. Taking the incredibly popular Randi Rhodes off the air is not only an act of censorship but also self destrutive. And the new website is awful, It is difficult to navigate and full of "bugs"! I listen to 1580 in Columbus, OH, and the line up is Bill Press, Stephanie Miller, Ed Shultz, then Randi and Rachel. My station doesn't even play AAR's morning shows. AAR doesn't learn from past mistakes (like taking Morning Sedition off the air, I am still angry about that!) If Kireker doesn't bring Randi back I am done with AAR for good!
I have stopped steaming and use ITunes instead. I am using ktlk's on demand for podcasts w/out commercials and would like to get my premium money back. Ktlk is better because you can get Malloy there, since AAR fired him foolishly. Sam is in a very difficult position and is doing a great job of walking the line. Perhaps AAR has seen its day. The talent will go on though.
So - if she's suspended, for how long? Or is she really fired? Because if she is, then I'm through with Air America. I've put up with their firing Mike Malloy, cutting Sam Seder to once a week, and replacing him with the unlistenable Lionel, their "exclusive" deal with XM, etc. etc. Randi was pretty much the only reason I still listened ... if she's gone, then I'm gone, along with my annual subscription for the podcasts.
From now on I'll stick with Mike Malloy on Nova M...
I totally agree with Rob. I purchased XM to hear AAR, and specifically Randi Rhodes, Al Frankin, and Sam Seder. Since then, Al is gone and they allowed XM to put on Ed Schultz instead of Thom Hartmann who is very easy to listen to. They replaced Sam with Lionel who every time I listen to him, I like him less and less. The final straw was his obsession with Barack's bowling score. Now, they have taken Randi off the air for doing a comedy routine in front of a private audience. I have heard that it has less to do with her foul language and more to do with the fact she supports Obama and the owners of AAR support Clinton. If that is true, it is plain old political censorship. At this point, after listening to AAR since its inception, I am ready to stop my subscription to XM and stop listening to AAR altogether. Put Randi back on the air or I am done and right wing radio has won.
I am in COMPLETE agreement with alansyn. I got XM to listen to AAR. Randi Rhodes should be returned to the air immediately. The suspension is without reason and reaks of censorship.
I agree with Rob. I've listened to AAR for a while, but Randi was the reason I looked forward to AAR everyday. If she doesn't return 4/7, I will pull my subscription and there will be no more AAR for me. Love you and miss your voice Randi!
I love listening to Rhandi every night when I get home I podcast her broadcast, but I was so
upset to read of her rant about Hillary Clinton. I voted for Hillary in the primary in California but as Barac has spoken I feel more intuned with him. That is not so say Hillary is a bad person and I find it reprehensible that Rhandi would use profanities in her position of power as a broadcaster.. If the blogs are correct Rhandi had no right to call this woman who took a leap of faith to find a better way for healthcare a whore. This is wrong Air America did the right thing in suspending her. Now as we listen to Limbaugh with his rants and raves I find it so difficult to know the difference between them both. Now my queen has dissapointed all of us that thought we were better than them.
Randi gone??? What a disaster. I just watched the clip on the Huffington Post side. She was doing stand up, what's the big deal??!!?! I hope I will listen to Randi, Sam and Mark Maron on NovaM soon. Please hire them!!!!!
The CEO's of Air America have destroyed the greatest radio station there was. Very sad
If any conservative talking head had said the same exact thing Randi herself would have been asking for his or her head on a platter (Imus) and calling for advertisers of the show to withdraw. Believe it or not Air America is a corporation that needs sponsors to pay the bills. Given the fact that it can only find enough to just keep the lights on it can't afford to let a host create an excuse for anyone paying the bills to head for the door. I saw the clip on YouTube and it is what I would expect from a drunk moron in a bar at closing time not a "professional" radio host at an event for a affiliate station. If Air America wants to get off life support they need to start acting like adults and run the business like a business and actually hold their host to to some sort of minimum code of conduct. Randi was wrong in what she said, you know it and she knows it. If that is where you want to take the political debate as a party than have at it and look forward to 4 years of John McCain as President. You know Rush Limbaugh is laughing his Fat A** off!
Randi's stand up was unfortunate. I disagree with her approach.
But her show is one of the very few left on AAR that make it worth even scrounging around looking for. But for Hartman, Rhodes, and Maddow the network now sucks.
I listen less and less to AAR. You are losing stations and now even "streamers". I can admire 16 year old debaters, but I really don't want to listen to them for days on end any more than I want to listen to your weird science. You don't want to eat meat, good for you. But that message is not why I tune in.
At a time when Limbaugh is gaming the electoral system on hundreds of stations, you are worried about one off air performance? WTF are you thinking about?
You are right, Randi, Rachel and Tom are the only shows worth listening to on AAR. Randi's didn't say these things on the air, so I don't see what the fuss is about. And Hillary has been caught lying repeatedly, and there is nothing wrong with pointing that out. Bill Clinton caved into the Repulicans on NAFTA, welfare reform and media mergers. Do we really want a 3rd Clinton term?
has no baggage. Of course when all you hear from your hero Ms. Rhodes lately
is how bad Ms. Clinton is. Ms. Rhodes has shown herself to be quite the hypocrite.
She used to play Ms. Clinton's words on her show during the debates when all candidates
were still in YET BEFORE the media on the left such as her "husbands to be" Obermann and Mathews gave Obama his "ENTITLED" Nomination.
If Mr. Obama pulls a Smith Barney and earns it the OLD fashioned way, I am Ok
with it.
Not you. Mr. Obama is entitled to it. I see. I would rather have all people vote and have all votes count. Not You. That is what Ms. Rhodes, Ms. Miller and Ms Maddow are speaking on THEIR radio Shows.
Contrary to your viewpoint AND in agreement as to that which is now the view represented by Air America via suspending Ms. Rhodes, Ms Rhodes's viewpoint " DOES NOT REPRESENT THE ENTIRE AIR AMERICA AUDIENCE.
Do you want to represent that Mr. Obama has not LIED repeatedly during this campaign?
I suggest you google that or visit FactCheck.ORG before you run off at the keyboard.
As an Obama supporter, if you want everyone to believe that Mr. Wright has nothing to do with Mr. Obama even though Mr. Wright is Mr. Obama's professed moral compass, how can you equate Ms. Clinton's run for the presidency with a 3rd term? This is her only time running for president. Everyone does know this. Apparently you would rather plant your flag in "silly season". Your logic is quite flawed unless Mr. Wright really does represent the views of Mr. Obama especially since he IS a member of that
"BLACK" church to which the 'typical white person' [Mr. Obama's words] does not comprehend the christian beliefs they hold.
This day has been on the horizon since Randi started promoting Obama. You cannot use your position to promote your own agenda. I used to enjoy listening to Randi, but no more. She and Ed need to listen to Bill Press. He promotes no one and manages to have a very good program. As with Mario (here in Denver) that took Randi's spot at 4PM Drive time(thank heavans) he also does not push his agenda. These two broadcaster's are great. Ed and Randi get a clue.
I hooked into Randi's show several months ago and really respected her opinion but since then and her apparent vote for Obama, she has turned from bashing the Republicans to trashing the Democratic Party internally.
Yes, she has her opinion and can vote for Obama. The man gives a great speech but it's coming out that he's not as squeaky clean as everyone thinks he is.
I am upset that her show has gone from intelligent discussions to Hillary trashing parties. This is where she lost me. We went from McCain bashing (which I have no problem with) to a crusade for Obama. He may be in the lead but he still doesn’t have enough votes to become the candidate which should tell you slightly half of the voters prefer Hillary.
I am not thrilled with many of Hillary’s tactics but I didn’t expect that Randi would go after Hillary like she would McCain. I thought Randi was showing a lot of class before all this happened. If I want to here one side, I could listen to Rush.
I feel she is harming the Democratic Party at this time where if Obama doesn't make the final cut, many folks will go Republican for spite.
On the issue of suspension, I don’t see why this occurred due to not being affiliated with Air America directly but I can deal with jokes, just not to the gutter level comments she made.
When listeners enjoy a host it is very stupid to suspend that host for making a joke especially off air. It is disappointing not to hear the personality you want to hear. It makes one want to find another station to listen to.
I wish we could grow up...The F word is such a trivial thing to get so upset over. War profits and crimes, torture, the economy so many real issues to focus on.
I have listened from the beginning and I love all the different personalities that are offered up and most of the time I love Randi. The dial on the radio gives us a choice and I pray that we stop being so childish about the issues we react to. Let us focus on real BOMBS and stop with the word games. Free speech rock on!!! Leave Randi alone, Randi represents Randi and the corporate dunderheads who suspended Randi need to grow some kahones and make decisions like adults not like the school yard mentality similar to what we have in the white house...Lauri...eccentrichild...
I hate Randi with a passion she truly is the Rush Limbaugh of fake left wing radio. I'm really annoyed that Air America lacks the back bone to stand up for freedom of speech. Air America is no better then any big corporation that says one thing and does another. It's time your viewers realized that right wing machine is no different from the liberal machine. Think for yourselves dummies.
If Air America had the back bone to stand up for Freedom of Speech Randi wouldn't be on suspension.
Freedom of Speech means no one can stop you from saying anything you want.
It means you can say anything you want to. You shouldn't be worried about the consequences for what they say.
For example If I say someone a 'F*#*ing Whore' and other stuff about someone I shouldn't have to worry if they will decide to sue me for Slander or Libel.
Because someone can be punished for something they say Freedom of Speech in the U.S. isn't true Freedom of Speech.
I would rather listen to the Liberal Talk shows than what's out there for the right wing talk shows. For example the right wing lunatics named Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh, Bill O'Reilly. Examples of great Liberal hosts Thom Hartmann, Randi Rhodes, Rachel Maddow, Laura Flanders, Ed Schultz.
To compare Randi to Rush 'Prescription Drug Abuser' Limbaugh is an insult to her.
Randi isn't a psycho like Limbaugh.
Liberal Talk Radio will take the airwaves from the Right Wing Propaganda Radio
I Don't know what you guys are thinking, Or if you'r even thinking.
Get her Back on the air soon.
You Dumb @#$s keep firing your best talents. ARR is watered down enough as it is.
We the listeners need Rhandi, and believe it or not so do you. She goes we go.
I have been listening for five years and you guys got rid of all my favorites but her.
We don't forget. And we know that there are other stations.
Don't feed us YESMEN and think we will give you our loyalty. Give us what we want.
We want Rhandi.
what you want. The heck with the rest of the democratic party.
I suggest you look up defamation of character. Don't even go
down the road of "he said this and they said that. Ms. Rhodes
makes a daily diatribe against Ms. Clinton. It aligns with YOUR
viewpoint. Plain and simple. Unfortunately, Free speech does
not mean that you can defame anyone anytime just because
you don't like the other persons political views.
Contrary to what you think, AAR is actually upholding freespeech
and not condoning public defamation.
Do you wish to represent that all helll wouldn't break loose if someone
referred to Mr. Obama as a B***ard at a public event and then go on AAR
to express views in favor of Ms. Clinton without any responsibility or negative outcome?
She overshot her mouth and found out how powerful she isn't. Plain and simple.
Why excuse her behavior. We already have had the dumbing down of America for
SEVEN plus years.
I bought XM after the local affiliate removed Air America for a second Latin Music station. Currently I'm loading up my IPOD so I'll have something to listen to now that AA has seen fit to suspend Randi. At first I thought the beef was her on air comments about Ed Schultz. But comments at a private affair about Hillary. Honestly. Give me air.
I am afraid the station may ask Randi to make concessions she may be unwilling to swallow. I wouldn't blame her. I wouldn't suck d... either.
I used to listen to Randi very often.I am a big Clinton supporter and I know Randi hasn't always hated the Clintons. I really want to hear from her and why she she said those horrible comments over and before I make up my mind about this matter. Why did she feel compelled to say those things? I don't believe there is an acceptable excuse, but I'd still like to hear her side.
She referred to Bill as "her president" many times. It seemed to me that began to change when the Hillary camp started to get desperate in this campaign and started the mudslinging (or at the very least accelerated it) the final straw seemed to come when she commented that she had the experience and McCain had experience and Obama had a speech. Tacitly endorsing the republican over her party's likely nominee was the utmost in disloyalty. From that point onward she has been more and more negative to Hillary.
I feel quite torn about Randi's suspension...on one hand she didn't say it on the air; on the other hand, I saw the Youtube sequence of Randi's tirade. I was very disappointed with her name calling for name calling's sake. It wasn't funny & it's destructive if Hilary would be the Democratic candidate.
I expect more from Randi because of the example she set for herself. I expect an intelligent, witty talk show host, who engages good callers. Someone who's articulate enough to be able to speak "wisely" & not in a seemingly "drunken" stupor.
I want to see her back, but she can leave her new rhetoric behind.
As addenda: Put Thom Hartmann back on the air live!!!!! And get rid of Shultz!!!
The story about Randi's suspension on the front and center of this site's main page had a couple comments posted. One was mine in which I politely gave my opinion of where I think this network is going in terms of becoming more a mouth piece for the democratic party, to be controlled by them, rather than a network of free thinking liberals.
Now when I load the story there are no posted comments and no place to make comments.
Perhaps it's a glitch in this new system? Or perhaps the comments were removed?
Anyway my login name in almost 4 years old. But the way things are going I wouldn't be surprised if the Clinton thugs put muscle on AAR to get rid of anyone that bad mouths them.
So if "f u bush2" suddenly goes dead then you can find me at Mike Malloy's forum and Sam Seders under the name of "druid" at both.
I can't find anything on the web about what Randi might have said, but regardless, this is a very disappointing managerial decision for an organization that is supposed to be liberal. So much for freedom of speech. I thought Air America was conceived as an antidote to this very kind of behavior.
It seems really disrespectful to their listeners that Air America would do this without immediately providing an explanation.
She wasn't on air. I love Sam, he really should have his own weekday show. It's strange but I thought Randi was a little pro- Hillary till about a month and a half ago, she really must have been biting her tongue. I hope Sam is on for the duration of the suspension.
I am so freakin' dissapointed in Randi's suspension. What were they thinking. By suspending her, they only succeeded in making her comments a bigger story and frankly alienated many of her fans. The only silver lining, Sam is in the house. You are one of the best host on the network Sammy. Even if you do the show without pants from time to time. Dang! I'm like James Brown mad!! I don't know karate, but I know ca-razy!
Thanks to BingVanGorden for referring us to the Huffington Post.
There is no excuse for her suspension. She did nothing wrong. Some people might have been offended by her stand-up, but so what?
I can't even begin to process my own feelings about what Air America has done. I know that I am saddened, frustrated, disappointed, and furious. This is a betrayal of the network's mission. At the very least, whoever brought down the decision owes an apology to Randi Rhodes and to all the network's listeners. Without that, I can't even imagine Randi coming back.
Fantastic! I'm looking forward to the suspension. I've quit listening to Randi because she is so shrill. As long as Sam's on in her time slot, I'll be listening!
I can't believe Randi got Schustered! Sure she worked, um, a little blue, but BFD. Did she say anything 1) untrue or 2) most of us don't agree with? Besides, she was off the clock! This suspension tells us a lot about AAR. If management can't support the first amendment rights of their employees, what other liberal/progressive/American principles will they turn their backs on next? Shameful.
Sam's stint last week not withstanding, Recently, the show has been an extension of the Obama campaign. I haven't wanted to listen to a full show because of that fact. The show wasn't just pro Obama, it was so, so, anti Hillary. Having said that, whatever she may have said off the air, a suspension is pretty extreme. I wish the station had issued a warning and perhaps asked her to apologize but it's even hard to say that as we don't know what she said. DGE-
Of course she's a wild hare. That's why we love her.
Maybe she gets over the top sometimes.
Why not let her apologize and let bygones be bygones?
We want RANDI!
She, more than anyone, renewed my belief in America.
She more than anyone keeps me clicking onto Air America and telling my friends.
Come on!
Bring back our girl!
For the folks who can't stomach the language Randi used at her gig in SF, try to wrap your brains around this: Metaphorically, Hillary IS a whore who has sold her soul and credibility (hmmm, not sure she had any of that anyway) for media attention and political power!
Where's the foul here???
OK, then substitute "whore" with "liar".....There....Are you satisfied now?
Even though i haven;t been able to listen to her since she has gone on a hate spree against Hillary - she should not be suspended - what happened to the first amendment?
Shame on AAR
Hey Sam, when they replaced you with that idiot lionel - who i can;t listen to - i was worried about the direction of AAR.
Still am - but glad you are available
Sorry- just saw the u tube. Okay it was pretty raw and pretty mean, but it was standup. I don't think it helped Obama and it didn't really hurt Hillary. The question is, does anything go? that seems to be the case where Hillary is concerned. What would have been the response if a progressive host had made off the air statements, in jest, referred to Sen. Obama as 'such a ******** cotton picking uncle tom. DGE
Yeah Sam. I'd much rather hear you than Randi.Unfortunately, when her suspension is over, she will play the victim forever. It's about time the self-titled goddess got taken down a notch.
Listen,,, as a Kucinich, Edwards, Obama supporter (in that order), I think the personal attacks on Hilary Clinton have gone way too far. Say what you want about her policies and/or the poor way she runs her campaign, but "f***ing whore" is way too much.
It's my understanding that Randi was speaking on behalf of Air America at the time of her comments and therefore management had not only the right, but the responsibility to take action. If it was one of the right-wingers saying those things, we would want them suspended (or fired) as well.
I don't condone the language she used, but I think Hillary has kinda done that to the Democratic party. I love this country. I love Rhandi because she speaks her mind freely in a country which has laws to protect that right. On the other hand AA has a business to run and I'm sure Rhandi knows this. Let her serve her suspension then get back to doing what someone needs to do for this country and this Radio outlet. We have a country to save and in my honest opinion we need Rhandi to do so.
Just desserts,Randi. You have been lying and distorting facts to your listeners regarding most things HILLARY for the last 2 months and it has caused a lot of mistrust and damage within the Democratic party. I had been a loyal listener since Air America went on air but had to stop listening to Randi. It was infuriating that her distortions went unanswered and uncorrected. As I was never picked as a caller to confront and correct, I tried to do that on her website message board but was banned as a troll- quite laughable as I am a life long Democrat- by her Stasi-like gatekeepers.Free speech? Not on that site! I hope this won't be a Shuster- like suspension of barely a week(ironically the story of which she tried to spin as Clinton demanding his firing (bull)). She needs serious psychological counseling and medical help. A good 3 months in a mental facility will surly be a good beginning. I hope you go from heel to heal.
"FREE SPEECH of Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Bill O'Rielly et al.".....................Who is violating their freedom of expression, FReeper? Have they been taken off the air? You wingnuts really are silly.
....to work on preparing for her move back to Florida.
She can use the break, and there will be all kinds of press -- she'll have one helluva ratings bump when she returns to the air!
Hey, it worked for Imus!
"There's no telling what new harm Bush might do
if he ever gets back up off the mat.
You have to keep your knee on his windpipe
until the danger is past." -- Garry Trudeau
How long do we have you back for Sam? We need you everyday. I drive for 5 hours a night and used to listen to you and Rachel on my iPod. Now all I have is Rachel. I'm lonely. Iused to listen to Randi every day, but she is just too into herself lately and she treats too many of her callers like crap.
Randi is so smart that I'm surprised she couldn't see that this kind of scorched earth diatribe would benefit Hillary, and just give Obama more headaches!!
AirAmerica suspending her is not censorship....her statements about Hillary were just stupid, plain and simple. Makes me wonder if maybe Randi is just wanting publicity....her ego has been getting out of hand for quite a while.
The last time I was in a comedy club in San Francisco I saw Craig Ferguson. He was saying the sort of stuff he'd get thrown off the air for if he was doing the Late Late Show. The difference - he was doing STAND-UP which is typically alot more raunchy than his TV show. However, his CBS website lets you know when he's going to be at a comedy club. He gets real raunchy and CBS does not suspend him. So what is really going on here. Surely Air America knows the standards of stand-up comedy. Did they set her up?
I've seen the YouTube of Randi's performance. To suspend her for that standup comedy routine is nothing short of censorship and message sending to AAR's other hosts. All she did was tell the truth. Personally, I think she went too easy on Ferraro. She doesn't need to apologize to anyone. AAR MANAGEMENT NEEDS TO APOLOGIZE TO RANDY! (And they need to apologize to their listeners for being too cheap to even alpha test their new website.)
All the hosts should walk out in protest..
BTW, I'm not even a big Randi fan. I like Sam better. I'm surprised they are not giving the time slot to Billary. Heaven knows, since they can't even manage their campaign finances, they need the free airtime
It seems to this listener that Randi went way, way over the line. To begin with she was at that whatever it was as a representative of Air America Radio. Thus AA has the right to make certain that she representes them the way they want to be represented.
I've listened to the whole dull, vulgar, program on line I think that anyone who has ever had anything invested (money, time, love, concern) etc would understand that a representative is just that. Fuck is not a particularly bad word but one used mostly by people with poor vocab. skills. If I were on the board of AA I would vote to terminate Randi from the network.
Who gives a damn about Randi anyway? She's a vulgarian bufoon. Anything that puts another intelligent voice on is fine by me. (i think the suspension is wrong though).
Whether or not Randi's comments crossed the "line" depends on whether or not a line was ever established. Does Air America have a policy about what constitutes acceptable speech at these kinds of events?
I have a lot of respect for Randi and I am definitely not a Hillary fan. But I think Randi's real sin is the attitude she takes with callers. She frequently berates, belittles, and bullies callers -- even those who are trying to agree with her. I don't feel like this is an effective way to win hearts and minds.
Randy has done a lot of good. I'm particularly proud of her for pushing the issue of war profiteering. But given a choice, I'd rather listen to Sammy any day, and I don't think I'm alone.
Randi WAS appearing as a representative of AA at the time she said these foul things, not just representing herself.....she has made this campaign way too personal, as have too many people. We are going to self destruct if we don't learn some manners!!
If this was "An Evening with Randi" venue with Randi representing herself. Then there's no foul. However, if this was as a representative of AA then then that's different. Any company rep would have to monitor themselves, since they represent the company; despite personal opinions AA was proper in suspending her.
I love Randi, she's been my main arms supplier of facts against the Conservobots, but if she was representing AAR, then she crossed the line.
Nice job Corporate America. Has anyone listened to Mike Malloy on Corporate America radio stations? This guy calls the clown in the White House and his family "murderers" on the air almost every day. Where's his suspension? Better to be called a murderer than a whore? What a double standard. This swift action is pure corporate damage control.
For heaven's sake. Are we all 6 years old? She said whore. So now we know that when speaking of the Clintons, no one can say the word "pimp" or "whore."
But why not? Why is it that the Clintons are so shielded? Why is it that Bill Clinton can travel the world collecting millions of dollars from foreign countries and multi-national corporations, all either thanking him for Nafta or buying access to his wife, yet we can't say the word "whore" in relation to the Clintons? If the shoe fits....
And what is it that is so horrible about that word, anyway? It's not a swear word. It's not even a vulgar word. All the right-wing idiot Christians say whore all the time. So why would a liberal progressive media fire someone for using the word whore? If she had said Bush was a whore, would that be okay? Cheney is a whore? Any problem with that?
And when someone is not on-air, aren't they allowed to say what they want? If her sponsors were offended, I guess they can decide whether to keep advertising. So why would management take this extreme step?
Here's what I want: I want someone to report every single threat made by the Clintons against AA relating to this issue. Why else would they have done this?
Remember, the Clintons are in tight with Rupert Murdoch, and he has been intent on trying to destroy cnbc and msnbc, and the Clintons have assisted him by constantly attacking people on msnbc. Is this part of the Murdoch assault? Old Rupert's got his lackeys Bill and Hillary now going after what little liberal media exists on the radio?
Who is going to stand up to these people? Suspension of Randi Rhodes is absurd. She said the word whore. It's not even a very bad word. You owners of Air America need to be a little more courageous and a little less beholden to people like the Clintons and their nasty associates.
And I wish Sam Seder had a show every day, because he's terrific.
Nice upgrade on the website. How long was it down? Three days? It still looks like crap and is sloooowwww like one of the glaciers Al Gore is always talking about. I hope the work was done for free by someone's geek kid.
You know, even Dr. Laura says you don't have a right not to be offended. Freedom of speech is meant to protect unpopular speech. Even though it wasn't governmental action, the network should respect the defining principle. Come on Air America, it was in San Francisco, in a night club setting, why are you so acting so timid?
This latest bonehead move to kow tow to the Clintons is yet another glaring example of why this station hit the skids a long time ago. They are not even on in NYC anymore, they can only be heard on the net. While I love Sam and am thrilled that he is on, Randi is just another in a long line of talent that has been let go by the dimwits running this station. I can't wait until Air America is off the air altoghether. Should be any minute now.
Huge Randi fan, but lately she is unlistenable. Her vitriolic attacks on Hillary are not journalism. It is a vendetta. She twists and skews the facts to a point where it is pure propaganda. I've stopped listening to her, which has me sad. Although last week it was great with Sam. He is brilliant, fair, funny and engaging. I wish he was back on everyday! Lauren is funny as well. C-Ro, well...at least he still has a job during Randi's suspension. B-rad
whore (hôr, hr)
n.
1. A prostitute.
2. A person considered sexually promiscuous. 3. A person considered as having compromised principles for personal gain.
When viewed in context, Randi's statements were a perfect description.
In the infamous words of Joe Strummer of the Clash: "You have the right to free speech, as long as you're not dumb enough to actually try it..." (From the song "Know Your Rights...)
Anyone know how long she is suspended for?
"When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the
people, there is liberty." ~Thomas Jefferson
Are you trying to say that you and other liberals and democrats have not ever tried to get Rush Limbaugh or Sean Hannity off the air and deny them of there free speech.
"FREE SPEECH of Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Bill O'Rielly et al.".....................Who is violating their freedom of expression, FReeper? Have they been taken off the air? You wingnuts really are silly.
I consider myself to be a pretty liberal democrat, but I have to tell you, I turned Air American OFF about 2 years ago specifically because of Randi Rhodes. Her rantings reminded me too much of Ann Coulter, just in reverse. Unfortunately, since her show came on at the same time I would be in my car, hers was the only voice of Air America I had a chance to hear. This might give me a reason to tune in again and see if there are more reasonable voices representing this liberal democrat. It is shows and comments like hers that have allowed the word "liberal" to be turned into a dirty word. As far as I am concerned, she should not only have been suspended, but FIRED! She was representing Air America at an event that many people who may have also never listened to any of your other programming would come away thinking her unhinged vitriolic rantings was the best you had to offer. Randi and Ann can roll in a gutter together and shout obscenities at each other until they are blue in the face....neither of them give a good representation of what each side believes in. Unfortunately, they reinforce what some people think is a bad time of the month, but they go thru it daily!
Frist
looking forward to you.
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By gt6April 3, 2008 - 1:07pmLess happy every day
As if it wasn't bad enough that the website is rediculously slow, and I can't even listen online anymore without having media player "buffer" every 30 seconds, AAR is now censoring it's talent over crap they said OFF AIR??¿
What is this, Murdock? We're no better than the neo-cons when we start punishing people about what they do off air.
So.... can't listen online, can't read online, and when I do get to a radio... I can't listen to one of my favorite talents on this station because she offended Hillary Clinton? This is a load of crap and a surefire way to guarantee ANOTHER bankruptcy for this station.
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By magpladApril 3, 2008 - 3:40pmSabatoge From Within?
Magplad: You are right. Taking the incredibly popular Randi Rhodes off the air is not only an act of censorship but also self destrutive. And the new website is awful, It is difficult to navigate and full of "bugs"! I listen to 1580 in Columbus, OH, and the line up is Bill Press, Stephanie Miller, Ed Shultz, then Randi and Rachel. My station doesn't even play AAR's morning shows. AAR doesn't learn from past mistakes (like taking Morning Sedition off the air, I am still angry about that!) If Kireker doesn't bring Randi back I am done with AAR for good!
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By jthettApril 5, 2008 - 9:38ameven if it worked I wouldn't use it
I have stopped steaming and use ITunes instead. I am using ktlk's on demand for podcasts w/out commercials and would like to get my premium money back. Ktlk is better because you can get Malloy there, since AAR fired him foolishly. Sam is in a very difficult position and is doing a great job of walking the line. Perhaps AAR has seen its day. The talent will go on though.
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By mhappenowApril 6, 2008 - 11:03pmSo - if she's suspended, for
So - if she's suspended, for how long? Or is she really fired? Because if she is, then I'm through with Air America. I've put up with their firing Mike Malloy, cutting Sam Seder to once a week, and replacing him with the unlistenable Lionel, their "exclusive" deal with XM, etc. etc. Randi was pretty much the only reason I still listened ... if she's gone, then I'm gone, along with my annual subscription for the podcasts.
From now on I'll stick with Mike Malloy on Nova M...
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By Rob BollingerApril 3, 2008 - 5:20pmDone With Air America!
I am with you Rob! Firing Randi would be the last straw! Good Gracious! Who is running Air America and what are they thinking?
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By jthettApril 5, 2008 - 9:42amRandi Rhodes was the heart and soul of Air America
Now I have not 1 reason to listen anymore.
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By jcggaarApril 10, 2008 - 6:58pmRandi's suspension
I totally agree with Rob. I purchased XM to hear AAR, and specifically Randi Rhodes, Al Frankin, and Sam Seder. Since then, Al is gone and they allowed XM to put on Ed Schultz instead of Thom Hartmann who is very easy to listen to. They replaced Sam with Lionel who every time I listen to him, I like him less and less. The final straw was his obsession with Barack's bowling score. Now, they have taken Randi off the air for doing a comedy routine in front of a private audience. I have heard that it has less to do with her foul language and more to do with the fact she supports Obama and the owners of AAR support Clinton. If that is true, it is plain old political censorship. At this point, after listening to AAR since its inception, I am ready to stop my subscription to XM and stop listening to AAR altogether. Put Randi back on the air or I am done and right wing radio has won.
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By alansynApril 5, 2008 - 11:45amRandi Rhodes' Suspension
I am in COMPLETE agreement with alansyn. I got XM to listen to AAR. Randi Rhodes should be returned to the air immediately. The suspension is without reason and reaks of censorship.
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By pjfaro1April 7, 2008 - 3:53pmNo Randi, no AAR for me!
I agree with Rob. I've listened to AAR for a while, but Randi was the reason I looked forward to AAR everyday. If she doesn't return 4/7, I will pull my subscription and there will be no more AAR for me. Love you and miss your voice Randi!
Ms Parker, Madison, WI
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By msparkerApril 5, 2008 - 11:57pmsuspended
Its about time that she was put out to pasture. Now for Seder.
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By obrien2501April 8, 2008 - 12:09pmRhandi is my fix
I love listening to Rhandi every night when I get home I podcast her broadcast, but I was so
upset to read of her rant about Hillary Clinton. I voted for Hillary in the primary in California but as Barac has spoken I feel more intuned with him. That is not so say Hillary is a bad person and I find it reprehensible that Rhandi would use profanities in her position of power as a broadcaster.. If the blogs are correct Rhandi had no right to call this woman who took a leap of faith to find a better way for healthcare a whore. This is wrong Air America did the right thing in suspending her. Now as we listen to Limbaugh with his rants and raves I find it so difficult to know the difference between them both. Now my queen has dissapointed all of us that thought we were better than them.
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By morgandog1April 3, 2008 - 8:38pmI can't believe this
Randi gone??? What a disaster. I just watched the clip on the Huffington Post side. She was doing stand up, what's the big deal??!!?! I hope I will listen to Randi, Sam and Mark Maron on NovaM soon. Please hire them!!!!!
The CEO's of Air America have destroyed the greatest radio station there was. Very sad
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By daboerstApril 3, 2008 - 9:16pmFinally Acting Like Adults
If any conservative talking head had said the same exact thing Randi herself would have been asking for his or her head on a platter (Imus) and calling for advertisers of the show to withdraw. Believe it or not Air America is a corporation that needs sponsors to pay the bills. Given the fact that it can only find enough to just keep the lights on it can't afford to let a host create an excuse for anyone paying the bills to head for the door. I saw the clip on YouTube and it is what I would expect from a drunk moron in a bar at closing time not a "professional" radio host at an event for a affiliate station. If Air America wants to get off life support they need to start acting like adults and run the business like a business and actually hold their host to to some sort of minimum code of conduct. Randi was wrong in what she said, you know it and she knows it. If that is where you want to take the political debate as a party than have at it and look forward to 4 years of John McCain as President. You know Rush Limbaugh is laughing his Fat A** off!
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By jpmacApril 3, 2008 - 10:02pmGreene- Get a Set
Randi's stand up was unfortunate. I disagree with her approach.
But her show is one of the very few left on AAR that make it worth even scrounging around looking for. But for Hartman, Rhodes, and Maddow the network now sucks.
I listen less and less to AAR. You are losing stations and now even "streamers". I can admire 16 year old debaters, but I really don't want to listen to them for days on end any more than I want to listen to your weird science. You don't want to eat meat, good for you. But that message is not why I tune in.
At a time when Limbaugh is gaming the electoral system on hundreds of stations, you are worried about one off air performance? WTF are you thinking about?
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By hamblin02906April 4, 2008 - 12:09amNafta & Snipers!!!
You are right, Randi, Rachel and Tom are the only shows worth listening to on AAR. Randi's didn't say these things on the air, so I don't see what the fuss is about. And Hillary has been caught lying repeatedly, and there is nothing wrong with pointing that out. Bill Clinton caved into the Repulicans on NAFTA, welfare reform and media mergers. Do we really want a 3rd Clinton term?
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By jthettApril 5, 2008 - 9:56amAnd Obama in YOUR estimation
has no baggage. Of course when all you hear from your hero Ms. Rhodes lately
is how bad Ms. Clinton is. Ms. Rhodes has shown herself to be quite the hypocrite.
She used to play Ms. Clinton's words on her show during the debates when all candidates
were still in YET BEFORE the media on the left such as her "husbands to be" Obermann and Mathews gave Obama his "ENTITLED" Nomination.
If Mr. Obama pulls a Smith Barney and earns it the OLD fashioned way, I am Ok
with it.
Not you. Mr. Obama is entitled to it. I see. I would rather have all people vote and have all votes count. Not You. That is what Ms. Rhodes, Ms. Miller and Ms Maddow are speaking on THEIR radio Shows.
Contrary to your viewpoint AND in agreement as to that which is now the view represented by Air America via suspending Ms. Rhodes, Ms Rhodes's viewpoint " DOES NOT REPRESENT THE ENTIRE AIR AMERICA AUDIENCE.
Do you want to represent that Mr. Obama has not LIED repeatedly during this campaign?
I suggest you google that or visit FactCheck.ORG before you run off at the keyboard.
As an Obama supporter, if you want everyone to believe that Mr. Wright has nothing to do with Mr. Obama even though Mr. Wright is Mr. Obama's professed moral compass, how can you equate Ms. Clinton's run for the presidency with a 3rd term? This is her only time running for president. Everyone does know this. Apparently you would rather plant your flag in "silly season". Your logic is quite flawed unless Mr. Wright really does represent the views of Mr. Obama especially since he IS a member of that
"BLACK" church to which the 'typical white person' [Mr. Obama's words] does not comprehend the christian beliefs they hold.
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By TruthSpeaksVolumeApril 6, 2008 - 6:45pmRandi
This day has been on the horizon since Randi started promoting Obama. You cannot use your position to promote your own agenda. I used to enjoy listening to Randi, but no more. She and Ed need to listen to Bill Press. He promotes no one and manages to have a very good program. As with Mario (here in Denver) that took Randi's spot at 4PM Drive time(thank heavans) he also does not push his agenda. These two broadcaster's are great. Ed and Randi get a clue.
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By MaryKMitApril 4, 2008 - 6:24amStopped listening to Randi
I hooked into Randi's show several months ago and really respected her opinion but since then and her apparent vote for Obama, she has turned from bashing the Republicans to trashing the Democratic Party internally.
Yes, she has her opinion and can vote for Obama. The man gives a great speech but it's coming out that he's not as squeaky clean as everyone thinks he is.
I am upset that her show has gone from intelligent discussions to Hillary trashing parties. This is where she lost me. We went from McCain bashing (which I have no problem with) to a crusade for Obama. He may be in the lead but he still doesn’t have enough votes to become the candidate which should tell you slightly half of the voters prefer Hillary.
I am not thrilled with many of Hillary’s tactics but I didn’t expect that Randi would go after Hillary like she would McCain. I thought Randi was showing a lot of class before all this happened. If I want to here one side, I could listen to Rush.
I feel she is harming the Democratic Party at this time where if Obama doesn't make the final cut, many folks will go Republican for spite.
On the issue of suspension, I don’t see why this occurred due to not being affiliated with Air America directly but I can deal with jokes, just not to the gutter level comments she made.
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By wozApril 5, 2008 - 11:34amAre You serious about Randy?
The only reason for me to even listen to air america is randy. And now she is not on the air?
Are You f-----g kidding me?
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By radiogigApril 4, 2008 - 8:20amRandi Rhodes
When listeners enjoy a host it is very stupid to suspend that host for making a joke especially off air. It is disappointing not to hear the personality you want to hear. It makes one want to find another station to listen to.
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By lhlanceApril 4, 2008 - 8:58amfree speach
I wish we could grow up...The F word is such a trivial thing to get so upset over. War profits and crimes, torture, the economy so many real issues to focus on.
I have listened from the beginning and I love all the different personalities that are offered up and most of the time I love Randi. The dial on the radio gives us a choice and I pray that we stop being so childish about the issues we react to. Let us focus on real BOMBS and stop with the word games. Free speech rock on!!! Leave Randi alone, Randi represents Randi and the corporate dunderheads who suspended Randi need to grow some kahones and make decisions like adults not like the school yard mentality similar to what we have in the white house...Lauri...eccentrichild...
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By eccentrichildApril 4, 2008 - 7:38pmWay to go Air America
I hate Randi with a passion she truly is the Rush Limbaugh of fake left wing radio. I'm really annoyed that Air America lacks the back bone to stand up for freedom of speech. Air America is no better then any big corporation that says one thing and does another. It's time your viewers realized that right wing machine is no different from the liberal machine. Think for yourselves dummies.
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By RealLibertarianApril 4, 2008 - 8:22pmRE:Way to go Air America
If Air America had the back bone to stand up for Freedom of Speech Randi wouldn't be on suspension.
Freedom of Speech means no one can stop you from saying anything you want.
It means you can say anything you want to. You shouldn't be worried about the consequences for what they say.
For example If I say someone a 'F*#*ing Whore' and other stuff about someone I shouldn't have to worry if they will decide to sue me for Slander or Libel.
Because someone can be punished for something they say Freedom of Speech in the U.S. isn't true Freedom of Speech.
I would rather listen to the Liberal Talk shows than what's out there for the right wing talk shows. For example the right wing lunatics named Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh, Bill O'Reilly. Examples of great Liberal hosts Thom Hartmann, Randi Rhodes, Rachel Maddow, Laura Flanders, Ed Schultz.
To compare Randi to Rush 'Prescription Drug Abuser' Limbaugh is an insult to her.
Randi isn't a psycho like Limbaugh.
Liberal Talk Radio will take the airwaves from the Right Wing Propaganda Radio
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By JerryWEApril 7, 2008 - 3:35amRhandi
I Don't know what you guys are thinking, Or if you'r even thinking.
Get her Back on the air soon.
You Dumb @#$s keep firing your best talents. ARR is watered down enough as it is.
We the listeners need Rhandi, and believe it or not so do you. She goes we go.
I have been listening for five years and you guys got rid of all my favorites but her.
We don't forget. And we know that there are other stations.
Don't feed us YESMEN and think we will give you our loyalty. Give us what we want.
We want Rhandi.
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By Flash HaskinsApril 5, 2008 - 7:43amHmmmm,, you only want to hear
what you want. The heck with the rest of the democratic party.
I suggest you look up defamation of character. Don't even go
down the road of "he said this and they said that. Ms. Rhodes
makes a daily diatribe against Ms. Clinton. It aligns with YOUR
viewpoint. Plain and simple. Unfortunately, Free speech does
not mean that you can defame anyone anytime just because
you don't like the other persons political views.
Contrary to what you think, AAR is actually upholding freespeech
and not condoning public defamation.
Do you wish to represent that all helll wouldn't break loose if someone
referred to Mr. Obama as a B***ard at a public event and then go on AAR
to express views in favor of Ms. Clinton without any responsibility or negative outcome?
She overshot her mouth and found out how powerful she isn't. Plain and simple.
Why excuse her behavior. We already have had the dumbing down of America for
SEVEN plus years.
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By TruthSpeaksVolumeApril 6, 2008 - 7:03pmDon't drink the Koolaid
I bought XM after the local affiliate removed Air America for a second Latin Music station. Currently I'm loading up my IPOD so I'll have something to listen to now that AA has seen fit to suspend Randi. At first I thought the beef was her on air comments about Ed Schultz. But comments at a private affair about Hillary. Honestly. Give me air.
I am afraid the station may ask Randi to make concessions she may be unwilling to swallow. I wouldn't blame her. I wouldn't suck d... either.
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By jiolajApril 5, 2008 - 10:04pmRandi
I used to listen to Randi very often.I am a big Clinton supporter and I know Randi hasn't always hated the Clintons. I really want to hear from her and why she she said those horrible comments over and before I make up my mind about this matter. Why did she feel compelled to say those things? I don't believe there is an acceptable excuse, but I'd still like to hear her side.
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By Bibi -TXApril 6, 2008 - 2:50pmAs you said, Randi used to be a big Clinton fan,
She referred to Bill as "her president" many times. It seemed to me that began to change when the Hillary camp started to get desperate in this campaign and started the mudslinging (or at the very least accelerated it) the final straw seemed to come when she commented that she had the experience and McCain had experience and Obama had a speech. Tacitly endorsing the republican over her party's likely nominee was the utmost in disloyalty. From that point onward she has been more and more negative to Hillary.
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By gt6April 6, 2008 - 2:52pmRandi's suspension
I feel quite torn about Randi's suspension...on one hand she didn't say it on the air; on the other hand, I saw the Youtube sequence of Randi's tirade. I was very disappointed with her name calling for name calling's sake. It wasn't funny & it's destructive if Hilary would be the Democratic candidate.
I expect more from Randi because of the example she set for herself. I expect an intelligent, witty talk show host, who engages good callers. Someone who's articulate enough to be able to speak "wisely" & not in a seemingly "drunken" stupor.
I want to see her back, but she can leave her new rhetoric behind.
As addenda: Put Thom Hartmann back on the air live!!!!! And get rid of Shultz!!!
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By knicnameApril 7, 2008 - 7:11pmWow. That's great.
I'm there.
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By stillrockinVAApril 3, 2008 - 1:09pmWhat did Randi say about Hillary that got her suspended?
Mr. Green is such a tool!
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By ExpatinEUApril 3, 2008 - 1:12pmInteresting
The story about Randi's suspension on the front and center of this site's main page had a couple comments posted. One was mine in which I politely gave my opinion of where I think this network is going in terms of becoming more a mouth piece for the democratic party, to be controlled by them, rather than a network of free thinking liberals.
Now when I load the story there are no posted comments and no place to make comments.
Perhaps it's a glitch in this new system? Or perhaps the comments were removed?
Anyway my login name in almost 4 years old. But the way things are going I wouldn't be surprised if the Clinton thugs put muscle on AAR to get rid of anyone that bad mouths them.
So if "f u bush2" suddenly goes dead then you can find me at Mike Malloy's forum and Sam Seders under the name of "druid" at both.
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By f u bush2April 3, 2008 - 1:24pmWhy does Air America hate America?
I can't find anything on the web about what Randi might have said, but regardless, this is a very disappointing managerial decision for an organization that is supposed to be liberal. So much for freedom of speech. I thought Air America was conceived as an antidote to this very kind of behavior.
It seems really disrespectful to their listeners that Air America would do this without immediately providing an explanation.
Is this a belated April Fools joke?
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By IrregularCappApril 3, 2008 - 1:27pmRandi was pretty harsh, but..
She wasn't on air. I love Sam, he really should have his own weekday show. It's strange but I thought Randi was a little pro- Hillary till about a month and a half ago, she really must have been biting her tongue. I hope Sam is on for the duration of the suspension.
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By Vince FarinaApril 3, 2008 - 1:28pmFree Randi!!!!!!!
I am so freakin' dissapointed in Randi's suspension. What were they thinking. By suspending her, they only succeeded in making her comments a bigger story and frankly alienated many of her fans. The only silver lining, Sam is in the house. You are one of the best host on the network Sammy. Even if you do the show without pants from time to time. Dang! I'm like James Brown mad!! I don't know karate, but I know ca-razy!
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By BingVanGordenApril 3, 2008 - 1:29pmHuff Po
Huff Po has it in more detail. This sux!!
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By BingVanGordenApril 3, 2008 - 1:31pmHere's the Huff Po link
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By frazzledApril 3, 2008 - 1:47pmNow I've heard it.
Thanks to BingVanGorden for referring us to the Huffington Post.
There is no excuse for her suspension. She did nothing wrong. Some people might have been offended by her stand-up, but so what?
I can't even begin to process my own feelings about what Air America has done. I know that I am saddened, frustrated, disappointed, and furious. This is a betrayal of the network's mission. At the very least, whoever brought down the decision owes an apology to Randi Rhodes and to all the network's listeners. Without that, I can't even imagine Randi coming back.
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By IrregularCappApril 3, 2008 - 1:57pmFantastic! I'm looking
Fantastic! I'm looking forward to the suspension. I've quit listening to Randi because she is so shrill. As long as Sam's on in her time slot, I'll be listening!
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By belleclairenalaApril 3, 2008 - 1:59pmShame on AAR
I can't believe Randi got Schustered! Sure she worked, um, a little blue, but BFD. Did she say anything 1) untrue or 2) most of us don't agree with? Besides, she was off the clock! This suspension tells us a lot about AAR. If management can't support the first amendment rights of their employees, what other liberal/progressive/American principles will they turn their backs on next? Shameful.
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By fjcarb01April 3, 2008 - 1:59pmSam's stint last week not
Sam's stint last week not withstanding, Recently, the show has been an extension of the Obama campaign. I haven't wanted to listen to a full show because of that fact. The show wasn't just pro Obama, it was so, so, anti Hillary. Having said that, whatever she may have said off the air, a suspension is pretty extreme. I wish the station had issued a warning and perhaps asked her to apologize but it's even hard to say that as we don't know what she said. DGE-
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By darylglennedwardsApril 3, 2008 - 2:03pmBring back our girl.
Of course she's a wild hare. That's why we love her.
Maybe she gets over the top sometimes.
Why not let her apologize and let bygones be bygones?
We want RANDI!
She, more than anyone, renewed my belief in America.
She more than anyone keeps me clicking onto Air America and telling my friends.
Come on!
Bring back our girl!
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By hrareApril 3, 2008 - 2:10pmrandi suspended was she wearing a lampshade?
good to be listening to you sam. I am a wicked big time fan of Randi Rhodes but just what was up with that vitriolic rant in san fran. So unnecessary.
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By webdetectiveApril 3, 2008 - 2:11pmRandi's telling it like it is!
For the folks who can't stomach the language Randi used at her gig in SF, try to wrap your brains around this: Metaphorically, Hillary IS a whore who has sold her soul and credibility (hmmm, not sure she had any of that anyway) for media attention and political power!
Where's the foul here???
OK, then substitute "whore" with "liar".....There....Are you satisfied now?
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By johnmcd72April 3, 2008 - 2:18pmNo suspension
Even though i haven;t been able to listen to her since she has gone on a hate spree against Hillary - she should not be suspended - what happened to the first amendment?
Shame on AAR
Hey Sam, when they replaced you with that idiot lionel - who i can;t listen to - i was worried about the direction of AAR.
Still am - but glad you are available
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By debbioApril 3, 2008 - 2:21pmJust stand-up but-
Sorry- just saw the u tube. Okay it was pretty raw and pretty mean, but it was standup. I don't think it helped Obama and it didn't really hurt Hillary. The question is, does anything go? that seems to be the case where Hillary is concerned. What would have been the response if a progressive host had made off the air statements, in jest, referred to Sen. Obama as 'such a ******** cotton picking uncle tom. DGE
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By darylglennedwardsApril 3, 2008 - 2:22pmSam the man
Yeah Sam. I'd much rather hear you than Randi.Unfortunately, when her suspension is over, she will play the victim forever. It's about time the self-titled goddess got taken down a notch.
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By Lunare1April 3, 2008 - 2:23pmMeal Ticket
The PTB at AAR have just suspended the core and meal ticket of their network. Hope there are openings at Nova M.
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By tovahroseApril 3, 2008 - 2:25pmRandi went too far AGAIN!
Listen,,, as a Kucinich, Edwards, Obama supporter (in that order), I think the personal attacks on Hilary Clinton have gone way too far. Say what you want about her policies and/or the poor way she runs her campaign, but "f***ing whore" is way too much.
It's my understanding that Randi was speaking on behalf of Air America at the time of her comments and therefore management had not only the right, but the responsibility to take action. If it was one of the right-wingers saying those things, we would want them suspended (or fired) as well.
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By Dean0April 3, 2008 - 2:26pmRhandi suspension
I don't condone the language she used, but I think Hillary has kinda done that to the Democratic party. I love this country. I love Rhandi because she speaks her mind freely in a country which has laws to protect that right. On the other hand AA has a business to run and I'm sure Rhandi knows this. Let her serve her suspension then get back to doing what someone needs to do for this country and this Radio outlet. We have a country to save and in my honest opinion we need Rhandi to do so.
P.s. We love you Randi
P.s.s. we also love you Mark Green.
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By jasongipe01April 3, 2008 - 2:28pmFree Speech
All for FREE SPEECH, is that for liberals only (i.e.: Randi Rhodes).
How about supporting the FREE SPEECH of Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Bill O'Rielly et al.
.
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By DustApril 3, 2008 - 2:32pmRandi fell of the edge
Just desserts,Randi. You have been lying and distorting facts to your listeners regarding most things HILLARY for the last 2 months and it has caused a lot of mistrust and damage within the Democratic party. I had been a loyal listener since Air America went on air but had to stop listening to Randi. It was infuriating that her distortions went unanswered and uncorrected. As I was never picked as a caller to confront and correct, I tried to do that on her website message board but was banned as a troll- quite laughable as I am a life long Democrat- by her Stasi-like gatekeepers.Free speech? Not on that site! I hope this won't be a Shuster- like suspension of barely a week(ironically the story of which she tried to spin as Clinton demanding his firing (bull)). She needs serious psychological counseling and medical help. A good 3 months in a mental facility will surly be a good beginning. I hope you go from heel to heal.
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By rdmandApril 3, 2008 - 2:36pmAIR UNAMERICA
Green Inc call themselves progressive? Regressive is more like it.
Ironic they're replacing Randi with someone they fired in the past.
Boycott they're lame advertisers. No more diet pills & and brain boosters! Please...
The web is loaded with true progressive unedited talk radio.
www.radiotime.com
ralph222
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By RC DPApril 3, 2008 - 2:34pmBy DustApril 3, 2008 - 2:32pm
"FREE SPEECH of Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Bill O'Rielly et al.".....................Who is violating their freedom of expression, FReeper? Have they been taken off the air? You wingnuts really are silly.
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By frazzledApril 3, 2008 - 2:36pmThis suspension just gives Randi more time...
....to work on preparing for her move back to Florida.
She can use the break, and there will be all kinds of press -- she'll have one helluva ratings bump when she returns to the air!
Hey, it worked for Imus!
"There's no telling what new harm Bush might do
if he ever gets back up off the mat.
You have to keep your knee on his windpipe
until the danger is past." -- Garry Trudeau
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By tbetzApril 3, 2008 - 2:36pmHow long?
How long do we have you back for Sam? We need you everyday. I drive for 5 hours a night and used to listen to you and Rachel on my iPod. Now all I have is Rachel. I'm lonely. Iused to listen to Randi every day, but she is just too into herself lately and she treats too many of her callers like crap.
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By Dean0April 3, 2008 - 2:38pmRandi's Ego Trip
Randi is so smart that I'm surprised she couldn't see that this kind of scorched earth diatribe would benefit Hillary, and just give Obama more headaches!!
AirAmerica suspending her is not censorship....her statements about Hillary were just stupid, plain and simple. Makes me wonder if maybe Randi is just wanting publicity....her ego has been getting out of hand for quite a while.
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By circularfiringsquadApril 3, 2008 - 2:43pmStand up or Frame up
The last time I was in a comedy club in San Francisco I saw Craig Ferguson. He was saying the sort of stuff he'd get thrown off the air for if he was doing the Late Late Show. The difference - he was doing STAND-UP which is typically alot more raunchy than his TV show. However, his CBS website lets you know when he's going to be at a comedy club. He gets real raunchy and CBS does not suspend him. So what is really going on here. Surely Air America knows the standards of stand-up comedy. Did they set her up?
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By kirstyjdrnApril 3, 2008 - 2:44pmCensorship of Truth
I've seen the YouTube of Randi's performance. To suspend her for that standup comedy routine is nothing short of censorship and message sending to AAR's other hosts. All she did was tell the truth. Personally, I think she went too easy on Ferraro. She doesn't need to apologize to anyone. AAR MANAGEMENT NEEDS TO APOLOGIZE TO RANDY! (And they need to apologize to their listeners for being too cheap to even alpha test their new website.)
All the hosts should walk out in protest..
BTW, I'm not even a big Randi fan. I like Sam better. I'm surprised they are not giving the time slot to Billary. Heaven knows, since they can't even manage their campaign finances, they need the free airtime
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By LelaWhisnantApril 3, 2008 - 2:44pmrandi
It seems to this listener that Randi went way, way over the line. To begin with she was at that whatever it was as a representative of Air America Radio. Thus AA has the right to make certain that she representes them the way they want to be represented.
I've listened to the whole dull, vulgar, program on line I think that anyone who has ever had anything invested (money, time, love, concern) etc would understand that a representative is just that. Fuck is not a particularly bad word but one used mostly by people with poor vocab. skills. If I were on the board of AA I would vote to terminate Randi from the network.
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By mbe3183April 3, 2008 - 2:45pmKEEP SAM ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Who gives a damn about Randi anyway? She's a vulgarian bufoon. Anything that puts another intelligent voice on is fine by me. (i think the suspension is wrong though).
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By zapplerApril 3, 2008 - 2:46pmRandi should go for other reasons
Whether or not Randi's comments crossed the "line" depends on whether or not a line was ever established. Does Air America have a policy about what constitutes acceptable speech at these kinds of events?
I have a lot of respect for Randi and I am definitely not a Hillary fan. But I think Randi's real sin is the attitude she takes with callers. She frequently berates, belittles, and bullies callers -- even those who are trying to agree with her. I don't feel like this is an effective way to win hearts and minds.
Randy has done a lot of good. I'm particularly proud of her for pushing the issue of war profiteering. But given a choice, I'd rather listen to Sammy any day, and I don't think I'm alone.
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By keatskirschApril 3, 2008 - 2:46pmI Agree with Deano
Randi WAS appearing as a representative of AA at the time she said these foul things, not just representing herself.....she has made this campaign way too personal, as have too many people. We are going to self destruct if we don't learn some manners!!
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By circularfiringsquadApril 3, 2008 - 3:03pmHmmm.
If this was "An Evening with Randi" venue with Randi representing herself. Then there's no foul. However, if this was as a representative of AA then then that's different. Any company rep would have to monitor themselves, since they represent the company; despite personal opinions AA was proper in suspending her.
I love Randi, she's been my main arms supplier of facts against the Conservobots, but if she was representing AAR, then she crossed the line.
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By gs4571April 3, 2008 - 3:03pmSam, you're great and I
Sam, you're great and I really wish you were on the air full time. Someone should be working on that.
That being said, Randi and Rachel are the only interesting hosts left during the week. This suspension is ridiculous. I'm losing faith in you AAR.
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By DruidessApril 3, 2008 - 3:09pmSuspended !?
Nice job Corporate America. Has anyone listened to Mike Malloy on Corporate America radio stations? This guy calls the clown in the White House and his family "murderers" on the air almost every day. Where's his suspension? Better to be called a murderer than a whore? What a double standard. This swift action is pure corporate damage control.
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By fooledagainApril 3, 2008 - 3:10pmSuspension Is Absurd - Bowing To Right-Wing Idiocy
For heaven's sake. Are we all 6 years old? She said whore. So now we know that when speaking of the Clintons, no one can say the word "pimp" or "whore."
But why not? Why is it that the Clintons are so shielded? Why is it that Bill Clinton can travel the world collecting millions of dollars from foreign countries and multi-national corporations, all either thanking him for Nafta or buying access to his wife, yet we can't say the word "whore" in relation to the Clintons? If the shoe fits....
And what is it that is so horrible about that word, anyway? It's not a swear word. It's not even a vulgar word. All the right-wing idiot Christians say whore all the time. So why would a liberal progressive media fire someone for using the word whore? If she had said Bush was a whore, would that be okay? Cheney is a whore? Any problem with that?
And when someone is not on-air, aren't they allowed to say what they want? If her sponsors were offended, I guess they can decide whether to keep advertising. So why would management take this extreme step?
Here's what I want: I want someone to report every single threat made by the Clintons against AA relating to this issue. Why else would they have done this?
Remember, the Clintons are in tight with Rupert Murdoch, and he has been intent on trying to destroy cnbc and msnbc, and the Clintons have assisted him by constantly attacking people on msnbc. Is this part of the Murdoch assault? Old Rupert's got his lackeys Bill and Hillary now going after what little liberal media exists on the radio?
Who is going to stand up to these people? Suspension of Randi Rhodes is absurd. She said the word whore. It's not even a very bad word. You owners of Air America need to be a little more courageous and a little less beholden to people like the Clintons and their nasty associates.
And I wish Sam Seder had a show every day, because he's terrific.
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By NABNYCApril 3, 2008 - 3:13pmBy The Way...
Nice upgrade on the website. How long was it down? Three days? It still looks like crap and is sloooowwww like one of the glaciers Al Gore is always talking about. I hope the work was done for free by someone's geek kid.
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By fooledagainApril 3, 2008 - 3:14pmMay the suspensiion be short
You know, even Dr. Laura says you don't have a right not to be offended. Freedom of speech is meant to protect unpopular speech. Even though it wasn't governmental action, the network should respect the defining principle. Come on Air America, it was in San Francisco, in a night club setting, why are you so acting so timid?
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By Halle BurtonApril 3, 2008 - 3:27pmAir America is imploding on itself
This latest bonehead move to kow tow to the Clintons is yet another glaring example of why this station hit the skids a long time ago. They are not even on in NYC anymore, they can only be heard on the net. While I love Sam and am thrilled that he is on, Randi is just another in a long line of talent that has been let go by the dimwits running this station. I can't wait until Air America is off the air altoghether. Should be any minute now.
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By Sandra FischerApril 3, 2008 - 3:28pmSammy!!!!!
Huge Randi fan, but lately she is unlistenable. Her vitriolic attacks on Hillary are not journalism. It is a vendetta. She twists and skews the facts to a point where it is pure propaganda. I've stopped listening to her, which has me sad. Although last week it was great with Sam. He is brilliant, fair, funny and engaging. I wish he was back on everyday! Lauren is funny as well. C-Ro, well...at least he still has a job during Randi's suspension. B-rad
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By BradflickApril 3, 2008 - 3:29pmRandi Got Suspended for Speaking the Truth
whore (hôr, hr)
n.
1. A prostitute.
2. A person considered sexually promiscuous.
3. A person considered as having compromised principles for personal gain.
When viewed in context, Randi's statements were a perfect description.
In the infamous words of Joe Strummer of the Clash: "You have the right to free speech, as long as you're not dumb enough to actually try it..." (From the song "Know Your Rights...)
Anyone know how long she is suspended for?
"When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the
people, there is liberty." ~Thomas Jefferson
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By DoctorDiApril 3, 2008 - 3:34pmAre you trying to say that
Are you trying to say that you and other liberals and democrats have not ever tried to get Rush Limbaugh or Sean Hannity off the air and deny them of there free speech.
.
.
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By DustApril 3, 2008 - 3:43pmRandi Rhodes suspension
I consider myself to be a pretty liberal democrat, but I have to tell you, I turned Air American OFF about 2 years ago specifically because of Randi Rhodes. Her rantings reminded me too much of Ann Coulter, just in reverse. Unfortunately, since her show came on at the same time I would be in my car, hers was the only voice of Air America I had a chance to hear. This might give me a reason to tune in again and see if there are more reasonable voices representing this liberal democrat. It is shows and comments like hers that have allowed the word "liberal" to be turned into a dirty word. As far as I am concerned, she should not only have been suspended, but FIRED! She was representing Air America at an event that many people who may have also never listened to any of your other programming would come away thinking her unhinged vitriolic rantings was the best you had to offer. Randi and Ann can roll in a gutter together and shout obscenities at each other until they are blue in the face....neither of them give a good representation of what each side believes in. Unfortunately, they reinforce what some people think is a bad time of the month, but they go thru it daily!
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By KellySwt82April 3, 2008 - 3:45pmWhy are Liberals such pussies ?
Comedian Rush Limbaugh, Ha