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Scarborough Spills Steaming Cup of F-Word on "Morning Joe"
November 11, 2008  | By David Bianculli
 

I don't post a video link often -- about once every vernal equinox, actually -- but this one definitely is TV Worth Watching...

The appeal of MSNBC's Morning Joe program is how relaxed and conversational it is. Yesterday's show, though, got a bit TOO relaxed, as host Joe Scarborough referred to an anecdote just told to him off the air, and used definitely off-air language to describe it.

morning-joe-fup.jpg

In other words, because other words are called for, Scarborough used the F-word when he meant to SAY "the F-word." Clearly, there was no seven-second delay in place. Just as clearly, though the host was stunningly unaware of the broadcasting sin he'd just committed, no one else on the program missed it. Mike Barnicle, in a split-screen shot, dropped his jaw open like a cartoon character.

For the next few minutes, as Scarborough tried to plow ahead, the rest of the panel couldn't let it go, until Scarborough finally asked for a "time out" and confronted the issue directly. Did he really slip, and say the F word?

Yes, he did, and it's a priceless clip, especially in a year when both the FCC and Supreme Court are wondering how, and whether, to put a price on such outbursts. Click HERE to see, and hear, for yourself.

 

2 Comments

 

Sally W. said:

When I saw that clip, my jaw dropped as much as Mike Barnicle's jaw (great reaction shot); that Joe Scarborough was so oblivious about what he said was also astounding - has the F-word become that casual in usage? (well, yes, but that's a socio-cultural matter and not for this forum probably).

After my shock wore off, the first thing in my head was that the FCC isn't going to be too happy, just as the US Supreme Ct.'s dealing with the issue of profanity. I'm not sure on how much the FCC can go after the cable networks (I may be a lawyer in real life, but not in this area), but it is priceless tv!

Comment posted on November 11, 2008 12:52 PM


Hoppy said:

Morning Joe ends each day with what if anything did we learn today. Yesterday, his answer: "Three words...seven second delay."

Comment posted on November 11, 2008 5:34 PM
 
 
 
 
 
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