Glenn Beck Apologizes for Wasting America’s Time with His Massa Interview (video)
Posted By Vicki McClure Davidson on March 10, 2010
H/t to reader AFVET and Gateway Pundit on this groaner… here is a short clip at the end of the lengthy interview Glenn Beck conducted yesterday on FOX with disgraced Rep. Eric Massa:
FOX: Glenn Beck on Rep. Massa Interview: “Sorry, America, For Wasting Your Time”
From FOX News, Massa: ‘I Forced Myself Out’ of Congress:
…The Washington Post, citing anonymous sources, first reported that the House ethics panel is investigating allegations Massa groped multiple male staffers in his office.
Massa told Fox News that, yes, he groped a male staffer — but not sexually.
“Not only did I grope him, I tickled him until he couldn’t breathe and then four guys jumped on top of me,” he said. “It was my 50th birthday. It was ‘kill the old guy.’ You can take anything out of context.”
Massa has previously claimed his misconduct was limited to using inappropriate language with staffers.
Massa’s interview came after the former New York Democrat alleged that party leaders conspired to force him out of office so they would have an easier time approving the health care reform bill.
In a radio interview Sunday, Massa described himself as the “deciding vote” on health care.
Massa was one of 39 House Democrats who voted no on the legislation last November. The House Democratic leadership has been courting nearly all of its caucus members who opposed the bill in an effort to flip them to vote yes in the next round.
The White House denied Massa’s assertion Tuesday. White House spokesman Robert Gibbs noted that Massa has cited different reasons for stepping down, from his health — a recurrence of cancer — to using salty language, to being forced out by Democrats because of his opposition to health care legislation.
Recap snippet of interview from Michelle Malkin:
Just a reminder that I took a lot of crap from my friends on the Right for coming out early against GOP predator Mark Foley.
I know a creep-o-crat when I smell one.
***
Update 5:17pm Eastern…Massa is on Beck…he opened by saying “he wasn’t forced out” of office and that he took responsibility and “owned his behavior.” Well, he has spent the last 48 hours claiming he was forced out. Which is it?
A yucky little chat about sexual indiscretion followed in which Massa mentioned the “tickle fights” he engaged in and stressed that they were not, in fact, sexual.
And next…Massa’s displaying x-rays of his tumor…
5:39pm Eastern. “Please don’t be a commercial,” Beck asks Massa. Massa continues to be a Democrat campaign commercial. Now saying the solution is “campaign finance reform.”
FAIL.
Beck apologizes for wasting America’s time. It was a painful object lesson, but in the end, I think, a useful one nonetheless.
A noteworthy comment from reader Joe College at Gateway Pundit:
…I would guess that the Dems made a deal with Massa that if he gave Beck a frivolous interview they would let the ethics charges just die quietly with minimum embarrassment. I did not see the interview but I got the impression that Massa was attempting to play into the ‘insanity’ narrative that the press is pushing.
And another, from Daniel:
I am of the opinion that Massa isn’t being entirely truthful.
He most certainly was not going to answer Glenn’s questions directly enough. He kept trying to make it sound that he was the one at fault and everything centered around him. Sorry. Typical politician that we don’t want or need.
A waste? Maybe, but confirmation for sure. But only of the one being interviewed.
I could see how frustrated Glenn was getting as the hour dragged along. For me, about 44 minutes. (TIVO is a wonderful machine.)
And this final one, from Aine:
This evening didn’t seem a wasted hour, nor do I believe it taints Glenn Beck; it was one interview that failed. The program was a useful demonstration of just how deeply dishonest and dishonorable the former congressman is, but that doesn’t seem to be something to feel smug or gleeful about. It is incredibly disheartening to know that Massa is just one of many such creatures running our country.
It seemed clear to me very early that Mr. Beck was expecting a different interview. I believe he gave Massa a chance to tell the truth, a word I don’t believe Massa even knows how to spell. Beck asked more than once why Massa didn’t want to fight for his honor. The replies were terribly shabby and lame. Either Massa has no honor, or he’s been “gotten to.” Or both. I feel deep empathy for his family.
Beck’s apology to his audience is something you don’t see. It was unnecessary: in America, we’re still free to change the channel.
Additional:
RealClearPolitics: Massa: Rahm Emanuel “Would Sell His Own Mother” For Votes
Nice Deb: Has Eric Massa Been Framed?
Politico: Eric Massa: Democrats ousted me over health care
Frugal Caf&ecute; Blog Zone: Naked & Arguing Politicians: Rahm & Massa in the Congressional Showers (video) and Another Dem Incumbent Abandons Ship Obama: Rep. Eric Massa (D-NY) Won’t Seek Re-Election (video) and NY Dem Rep. Eric Massa: Townhalls Killing Democrat Party with Millions Withdrawing ObamaCare Support, So He Refuses to Hold Townhall Meeting
Patterico’s Pontifications: Talk Like a Democrat Day
Gateway Pundit: Dem Rep. Massa May Rescind Resignation; Says Rahm Emanuel Is “Son of Devil’s Spawn” (Audio) and Dem Rep. Massa Will Resign After Allegations of Sexual Harassment …Update: Says He’s Guilty and Democrat Eric Massa Lied… Hoyer Knew About Sexual Harassment Last Month
On My Watch — The writings of SamHenry: Massa Turns the Legislative Process Into a Story of Crime and Punishment
The Nose On Your Face: Eric Massa: “I Did Not Inhale”
Potluck: Keep an eye on the Massa scandal
Hotline On Call: Spotlight After Dark: Eric Massa Isn’t Mark Foley
Bob Lonsberry: WHAT I HAVE KNOWN ABOUT ERIC MASSA
The Fix, The Washington Post: Rep. Eric Massa (D-N.Y.) won’t run for reelection
About the author
Glenn ended up doing the American People a favor by exposing this creep.
MM spoke to Glenn on his radio show this morning and Glenn essentially apologized to her for not taking her advice, and wasting the viewers’ time.
Michelle graciously said that it was effective to the extent it was enlightening, and not necessarily a waste, given the fact that now the folks realize the sleaze balls that are existing on capital hill. (paraphrased).
Obviously, we need to ratchet up the requirements for our elected officials.
It will take a major effort indeed, however the American People are more aware of the corruption existing in Washington now than they have ever been.
The interview was definitely not a \waste of time\! It gave a very clear example of how thrilled Beck was to have Massa on to help him paint his deranged picture of the world. When Massa would not provide him with material to use in building on his preconceived notions, Beck basically threw a temper tantrum like a spoiled brat who is denied candy. Great television!
THERE WAS CANDY???? Missed that, drat.
Since I didn’t watch the interview (I’ll be watching it in its entirety on YouTube later today, I hope), I have to assume you DID watch it, Jeff – but no one else seems to have had your take on it. You’re sure you didn’t just spout off something you read on Daily Kos? Not that a liberal would ever LIE, hee hee.
Jeff,
Massa provided an immense amount of material on Beck’s show.
Beck apologized at the end of the program for wasting his viewers’ time, however, now we have seen yet another insight into the liberal mantra, determined to undermine our country.
Do us all a favor in 2010.
Either get an education on the Constitution, and the nefarious attempts of this administration to demean it, and disregard it, or do the patriotic thing and don’t vote.
These people are snakes.
If you can’t see that by now, don’t walk through the woods.
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