MSNBC reporter suspended for saying the Clintons are ‘pimping out’ their daughter

David Shuster

Comments made last week by an MSNBC anchor about Chelsea Clinton could cause her mother to boycott future debates held by the network, according to The New York Times.

While filling in as a guest-host for Tucker Carlson, David Shuster discussed the 27-year-old’s role in her mother’s campaign when he asked, “Doesn’t it seem as if Chelsea is sort of being pimped out in some weird sort of way?”
The statement pertained to Chelsea’s active support for her mother through rallying up superdelegates.
Shuster’s view on Chelsea’s support was that she was able to call and rally up superdelegates for her mother, but refused to talk to the press.

The Clinton campaign did not take Shuster’s comment lightly, saying the comment was degrading and disrespectful. The campaign raised the possibility of backing out of the planned MSNBC debate which is scheduled for Feb 26 in Cleveland, according to The Washington Post.
Richard Hendrickson, a John Carroll University communications professor, said, “The network has suspended him and his career is in serious trouble. But, Mrs. Clinton shouldn’t punish a whole network – the network that brings us professionals like Tim Russert – because of one idiot’s Imus-like remark. I hope the people of Cleveland still get a chance to see the candidates debating issues first-hand.”

Although many Clevelanders may feel that the network should not be punished, Shuster’s comment was not the first questionable one made by an MSNBC member. Last month, MSNBC host Chris Matthews equated Hillary Clinton’s success to her husband’s well-known infidelity with Monica Lewinsky. Matthew’s comment was followed up by an apology, but it was still a comment that threw dirt at the Clintons.
“Reporters are supposed to report what others say, and avoid descriptions that show a bias,” Matthews said. “But now that news is available from so many sources via the Internet, journalists have become ‘authenticators’ and not simply ‘gatekeepers.’ “

According to The New York Times, in a statement via e-mail, Jeremy Gaines, MSNBC’s vice president for media relations, called Shuster’s language “irresponsible and inappropriate” and said that he had “extended an apology to the Clinton family.” According to Gaines, NBC News takes these matters seriously, and offers their sincere regrets to the Clintons for the remarks.

As for the debate that is scheduled to take place at Cleveland State University on Feb. 26, Hillary Clinton’s participation continues to be up in the air as discussions between MSNBC and the Clinton campaign continue.

The Cleveland debate would be the last time the top two Democratic candidates get to debate face-to-face before both Ohio and Texas go to the polls on March 4. Both states will be crucial in the Democratic race.