Imus & Russert sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S......

Just heard Russert on Imus. Wondering if that was the 1st time since the new show began? I thought Russert was dead to the I-man after the lack of support during nappygate. To me, that is an utter lack of guts by Imus to allow Russert back on the show. Any thoughts?

M&MD should have an interesting take on this...(if they're allowed to)...they had said that they would have a problem if Imus brought Russert back into the fold after being blasted by him...

I forgot about that. Those two bozo's should rip him.

It just proves that Imus is as gutless as the politicians he rips on.

Imus isn't gutless, but if he were, Russert's got enough gut to make Manhasset Fats jealous!

Imus is spineless and all the guests who did not support will end up on his program eventually.

The return of Imus has demonstrated two very distinct things to the American radio public:

1. Imus has been very gracious and forgiving of both those who attacked him (Rev. Al, Jesse, etc.) and those who betrayed him (Russert, Matthews, etc.). Instead of bashing them, he has extended an olive branch - something people the world over should do a lot more of. Diet Coke Isn't Working, david gregory, racks take note - forgiveness is a commendable personal quality, not a character flaw.
2. However, the 6+ month hiatus has had a very negative effect on the quality of the Imus in the Morning Show. I always liked the I-Man and was one of the listeners who cringed when he said something stupid. (and not funny) However, the "new" Imus seems to be a heavily watered down version of the old Imus and has lost his humorous edge in the name of political correctness ... or perhaps the I-Man has just gotten old!!! :confused:

I much prefer the new Imus. There's a little edge lost, but it's much more sophisticated now.

Personally, I never liked the show when it delved into wearing FedEx envelopes and the like. The focus on politics and American issues is refreshing and so very rare.

The return of Imus has demonstrated two very distinct things to the American radio public:

1. Imus has been very gracious and forgiving of both those who attacked him (Rev. Al, Jesse, etc.) and those who betrayed him (Russert, Matthews, etc.). Instead of bashing them, he has extended an olive branch - something people the world over should do a lot more of. Diet Coke Isn't Working, david gregory, racks take note - forgiveness is a commendable personal quality, not a character flaw.
2. However, the 6+ month hiatus has had a very negative effect on the quality of the Imus in the Morning Show. I always liked the I-Man and was one of the listeners who cringed when he said something stupid. (and not funny) However, the "new" Imus seems to be a heavily watered down version of the old Imus and has lost his humorous edge in the name of political correctness ... or perhaps the I-Man has just gotten old!!! :confused:

Calling it "forgiveness" is a bit naive, no ? It's all about ratings and dollars, period. IMO, Imus showed no guts. Russert punked out, and never said a word, and for that he should not have been a guest ever again.

The return of Imus has demonstrated two very distinct things to the American radio public:

1. Imus has been very gracious and forgiving of both those who attacked him (Rev. Al, Jesse, etc.) and those who betrayed him (Russert, Matthews, etc.). Instead of bashing them, he has extended an olive branch - something people the world over should do a lot more of. Diet Coke Isn't Working, david gregory, racks take note - forgiveness is a commendable personal quality, not a character flaw.
2. However, the 6+ month hiatus has had a very negative effect on the quality of the Imus in the Morning Show. I always liked the I-Man and was one of the listeners who cringed when he said something stupid. (and not funny) However, the "new" Imus seems to be a heavily watered down version of the old Imus and has lost his humorous edge in the name of political correctness ... or perhaps the I-Man has just gotten old!!! :confused:

I'll take note that Imus did everything possible to save his hide and now is doing anything possible to raise his ratings. He's an utter phoney.

Originally Posted by Dan Castello
The return of Imus has demonstrated two very distinct things to the American radio public:

1. Imus has been very gracious and forgiving of both those who attacked him (Rev. Al, Jesse, etc.) and those who betrayed him (Russert, Matthews, etc.). Instead of bashing them, he has extended an olive branch - something people the world over should do a lot more of. Diet Coke Isn't Working, david gregory, racks take note - forgiveness is a commendable personal quality, not a character flaw.
2. However, the 6+ month hiatus has had a very negative effect on the quality of the Imus in the Morning Show. I always liked the I-Man and was one of the listeners who cringed when he said something stupid. (and not funny) However, the "new" Imus seems to be a heavily watered down version of the old Imus and has lost his humorous edge in the name of political correctness ... or perhaps the I-Man has just gotten old!!!

Calling it "forgiveness" is a bit naive, no ? It's all about ratings and dollars, period. IMO, Imus showed no guts. Russert punked out, and never said a word, and for that he should not have been a guest ever again.

Guts sometimes equals stupidity. For example, it would have taken "guts" for the I-Man to have gone on WABC and start off by blasting minorities, mocking Rush Limbaugh and calling Bob Grant "an old fossil." Imus would have had "guts" but been kicked off the air and his career would have been over.

Imus just decided to move on. He was crucified (figuratively) for something that was politically motivated. Radio broadcasters have regularly said worse things for years (Howard Stern pre-satellite, Opie & Anthony, Ron & Fez, etc.) and gotten away with it. Imus could have let it eaten him up inside but instead chose to forgive and move on. It was an intelligent move regardless of his motivations.

Time to retire Imus.

Guts sometimes equals stupidity. For example, it would have taken "guts" for the I-Man to have gone on WABC and start off by blasting minorities, mocking Rush Limbaugh and calling Bob Grant "an old fossil." Imus would have had "guts" but been kicked off the air and his career would have been over.

I did not suggest that Imus should go after anyone. I agree that taking the high road was the prudent choice.

Imus just decided to move on. He was crucified (figuratively) for something that was politically motivated. Radio broadcasters have regularly said worse things for years (Howard Stern pre-satellite, Opie & Anthony, Ron & Fez, etc.) and gotten away with it. Imus could have let it eaten him up inside but instead chose to forgive and move on. It was an intelligent move regardless of his motivations


I "get" what you are saying and where you are coming from. It's just that I also have listened to Imus since the beginning, and based on his past, I think he caved for ratings/dollars. Let's face it, he has always pounded people for doing the same thing he just did....giving in due to one's star stature. Russert has been a staple on the show, and he certainly has more clout than any other media-type regular. When the **** hit the fan, he could have said something like, "I have known Don for many years, and I don't believe his comments were racially motivated...," or something to that effect. But he said nothing...like he didn't even know Imus. This non-response, to me, is very weak, something that a real friend would not do. So, IMO, the best thing Imus could have done was to let Russert go, say nothing about him (as he did), and just never have him on again. Nothing wrong with the above scenario.....until (as I said previously) you factor in the ratings and dollars.