Mediaite Writer Defends Martin Bashir

On Wednesday, the Mediaite writer whom MSNBC host Martin Bashir emailed after his resignation defended the former MSNBC host and chastised other liberals for not standing up for Bashir, who said on his Nov. 15 show that someone should defecate and urinate in the mouth of former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.

Tommy Christopher, after publishing Bashir’s email in which he said he “deeply” regretted his comments and tendered his resignation after meeting with MSNBC President Phil Griffin, accused liberals of throwing Bashir under the bus in a tweet:

This is why Rush rolls along, libs throw their guys under the bus. Who spoke up for #MartinBashir against the noise? http://t.co/JWTUuvtBCd

— Tommy Christopher (@tommyxtopher) December 4, 2013

Outlets like Breitbart News and Truth Revolt, the media watchdog group, had relentlessly hammered MSNBC for its double standard in firing Alec Baldwin for anti-gay comments he made off the air while not disciplining Bashir for scripted comments he made on his program. 

After MSNBC did not immediately punish Bashir for his remarks, Breitbart News exclusively obtained a letter that Palin’s political action committee, SarahPAC, written to MSNBC President Phil Griffin and NBC News President Deborah Turness asking what action the network would take with Bashir, given the network’s history of disciplining anchors for offensive comments they have made on and off the air. 

“You fired Don Imus for offensive language in describing the Rutgers University Women’s Basketball team, you suspended Alec Baldwin, and yet nothing has happened to Mr. Bashir,” the letter read. “Are we to assume then, that disciplinary procedures at your network take place based on the target of the remarks rather than the remarks themselves?”

The letter concluded by saying, “Americans deserve to know that your network doesn’t condone violent and hateful rhetoric directed at anyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or political persuasion.”

Bashir’s email to Christopher said:

After making an on-air apology, I asked for permission to take some additional time out around the Thanksgiving holiday.

Upon further reflection, and after meeting with the President of MSNBC, I have tendered my resignation. It is my sincere hope that all of my colleagues, at this special network, will be allowed to focus on the issues that matter without the distraction of myself or my ill-judged comments.

I deeply regret what was said, will endeavor to work hard at making constructive contributions in the future and will always have a deep appreciation for our viewers – who are the smartest, most compassionate and discerning of all television audiences. I would also wish to express deepest gratitude to my immediate colleagues, and our contributors, all of whom have given so much of themselves to our broadcast.