DISQUS

Charlotte · 7 months ago

I want to know who thought it was a good idea to have Wanda Sykes at the dinner? They've obviously never seen any of her comedy.

Ian McGibboney · 7 months ago

It's certainly a point of debate as to the appropriateness of the joke. Even I cringed at it. But "poor Rush" isn't the best tack to take against it. The man makes millions upon millions of dollars saying far worse things on a daily basis. He's a proud poster-boy for excess and arrogance, but one who nevertheless defends his worst rhetoric as an act when rightfully called on it. And that's fine, but that also means he doesn't get to be treated with kid gloves. No public figure should expect such treatment. (I'll bet Rush isn't even offended. It's just further fodder for his show.)

Incidentally, the White House Correspondents Dinner is an event packed to the rafters with public figures making fun of themselves. It's not some private banquet full of sensitive people. If you want to know why Wanda Sykes was chosen, it's precisely because she's funny and edgy. They push the line with somebody every year, regardless of who's president or who's being picked on. That's comedy.

Chris · 7 months ago

ANYTHING condoning personal injury, harm, or illness to someone is straight up unfunny, I don't care who you are or how you want to defend such said comments.

Sorry but I found both to be in poor taste and regardless of what you think of Rush as a man or political figure, making a joke about personal illness to someone (especially right after lumping them in with the tragedy of 9/11) is pretty low even for a humorous event. I don't like Rush either and I'm not trying to defend the guy but I do think Wanda Sykes needs to apologize.

I won't hold my breath for it, though.

Ian McGibboney · 7 months ago

Well, you could argue whether or not it is funny. But Sykes is doing it for laughs at an event where such things are expected. And no one actually thinks she wants Limbaugh to suffer renal failure. In fact, she was referring to the absurdity of hoping anything, or anyone, fails out of sheer spite. Anyone finding her joke objectionable also has to at least think of how objectionable Limbaugh's remarks about Obama's failure were. That's at least a little redeeming.

Rush, Ann Coulter, Pat Robertson and other "serious" commentators, on the other hand, have called repeatedly for those who disagree with them to be arrested, poisoned and even assassinated. If we're willing to let that slide, then Sykes' routine doesn't even remotely matter.

Jason · 7 months ago

Actually, I could very easily see Wanda Sykes wanting Rush to get renal failure.

bus plunge · 7 months ago

I agree with Al Franken's assessment of the man.

Rich · 7 months ago

The fact that our government promotes making fun of anyone is disappointing. Isn't Oboma, when running for president, the same guy that would not allow any slander. Didn't he want the dirty politics out? Isn't this dirty? I don't know, but I do feel like a shower.

Ian McGibboney · 7 months ago

Rich, I think Obama's done a decent job of that in a professional capacity. When Joe Biden made a joke at a Republican's expense at one event - not even that offensive and kind of good-natured funny - Obama glowered at him. He pledged to keep discourse as civil as possible and has done so in a way even I didn't expect. So for him to laugh at a comedian, especially one lampooning a figure who has actively wished for his leadership to fail, is hardly the stuff of outrage in my book. Unless, of course, you want to point a finger at every president.

Rich · 7 months ago

agreed ... they are all guilty.