Conservative political correctness run amok

June 2, 2007

Maybe I’ve let my subscription lapse on Far-Right Talking Points Weekly, but at what point did conservatives decide that the word “outspoken” is insulting?

Crooks & Liars posted a surprising video from CNN in which conservative talk-show host Laura Ingraham shared her thoughts on the president’s immigration policy (she doesn’t like it). Before a commercial break CNN’s John Roberts told viewers, “Will the new immigration reform bill fix the problem? We’ll ask the outspoken Laura Ingraham about that next.”

Apparently, that’s no longer acceptable in conservative circles.

INGRAHAM: By the way, John, how did you introduce me for this segment before the break. The “outspoken” Laura Ingraham. Do you guys introduce liberal commentators that way? I’m going to check.

ROBERTS: Yeah, we do actually.

INGRAHAM: OK, I’m going to check that.

ROBERTS: Are you denying that you’re outspoken Laura?

INGRAHAM: No, why would you say that?

ROBERTS: I just think that we’re appropriately characterizing you…. You’re definitely outspoken. You were outspoken about immigration on Wednesday’s show.

INGRAHAM: How about “radio talk show host and author.” That’s quite effective.

How does one know that conservative political correctness has gone over the edge? When “outspoken” becomes a point of contention.

For what it’s worth, Nitpicker took the time to highlight just how silly Ingraham’s complaints really were. For example, CNN has used the same adjective to describe plenty of liberals (none of whom whined about it):

Never mind that Al Franken was called an “outspoken comedian and liberal” by CNN. Or that Hugo Chavez is an “outspoken leftist”. Or that Cynthia McKinney, Michael Moore and Nancy Pelosi were all referred to as “outspoken liberal(s).” None of those things matter. In the minds of the Republican hothouse flowers, any word used to describe them — other than heroic or beloved — can be seen as an attack by the dastardly liberal media.

And Ingraham has been described as outspoken by other conservatives, without incident.

Ingraham was also called “outspoken” by the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs, Michael Medved and Fox News’ Chris Wallace.

Ingraham needs to get a grip. CNN is not part of a massive conspiracy to tarnish her name through use of outrageous adjectives.

Can you imagine if she’d gone through with her engagement to Dinesh D’Souza? The psychopathic crybaby offspring of that marriage would’ve been surreal.

  • Ingraham should have been happy with “outspoken”. She could have been referred to as “crazy”, “insane”, “lunatic”, “wildly crazy and insane”, “stupid beyond belief”, etc.

    But of course, her real objective may have been to put John Roberts on the defensive from the get go.

  • On the other hand, doesn’t appearing on talking head shout shows make the description “outspoken” redundent?

  • It’s an old, old joke, but this is how it goes:
    “Laura Ingraham is known to be outspoken.”
    ” Really? By whom?”

  • Ingraham is another self-inflating wingnut gasbag whose numbers seem to be growing, much to the detriment of the country. In my view, being considered “outspoken” is a badge of honor. The word implies that one understands the value of the First Amendment to the US Constitution and that one understands the reponsibility inherent in that amendment.

    Being the typical insecure creep that she is, Ingrahambone thinks “outspoken” is synonymous with “mouthy” and every one knows a mouthy woman is considered to be a bitch.

    At least in this case, viz a viz Ingrahammy, “if the shoe fits, wear it!”

  • It’s a little more verbose, but Roberts should have gone with, “Right-wing brain donor who came to fame by tramping around in a leopard-skin miniskirt.”

  • ***…the outspoken Laura Ingraham….***

    It’s got to be a slow day for the boys and girls at the Cretateous Neophyte Network when they fill dead-air time with someone who proves, beyond any reason of doubt, that the human brain can be physically “hamstrung.” I mean, why else waste the time over being called “outspoken?”

    Then again, maybe it’s just that she’s running out of talking points. Almost everything the Reich has to shill out to people these days has already been declared “dead on arrival.”

    Well—at least by those who can tell the difference between a June wedding and a December funeral….

  • Dear Laura was just using an obnoxious debating technique designed to knock John Roberts off balance. Hence making it likelier that any stupid or outrageous thing she might latter say would go unchallenged. And, if this fails, it establishes at the outset that any tough questioning that Roberts might engage in is evidence of his bias. It sounds like he didn’t bite.

  • How about “crazed Bitch of Belsen Laura Ingraham”??? It certainly fits with her objective reality.

    How about “crazed homo sap Laura Ingraham”?? That’s the truth of her DNA.

  • For conservatives, referring to a woman as “outspoken” has always been an insult. Women are supposed to be supportive and lady-like. Why do you think they keep using it in reference to Speaker Pelosi?

  • Personally I would have chosen “shrieking harpy” But if she wasn’t “outspoken” I would have to call her “unemployed”

  • How about “hollering harridan” or “rabid shrew” Laura Ingraham?

  • i’ll give concede her right not to be called “outspoken” if I and others on the left can stop being referred to as “unabashed” or “unapologetic” liberals. liberalism is nothing to be abashed about or apologized for!

  • How about seeping pistulant boil on the ass of American punditocracy? Rather poetic, no?

  • And Roberts thought he was being polite by not calling her a “loudmouth”…

    Funny… I just checked my Roget for synonyms to “outspoken”, and they are: square, straightforward, unreserved, frank, and oopen, with further references to be looked for under HONESTY and TRUTH. Can’t help but wander just what Dear Laura has against being associated with “honesty” and “truth”…

  • They should concede the point.

    Alright, alright!

    Next up… mealy-mouthed, mumbling, wishy-washy monotone Laura Ingraham. Stay tuned! Cripes! Ya happy now???

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