Revisiting Don Imus

Amid The Current Controversy, Mike Wallace Looks Back At His 1996 Interview With Don Imus

(CBS) 

[beniceall]

Mike Wallace...now we now why your son is on FOX!!! Apple doesn't fall far from the tree. You really did your "old friend" unfairly. Nobody has to agree with what Imus did, but what you did is exactly why "white men" media is in question. Did someone at CBS say you HAD to do such a hack job???????

[jwardl]

Good going, guys... taken so much heat over firing Imus that you're now doing a smear piece as a thinly-veiled CYA attempt?

Sure, the man's humor was often rude, crude, and juvenille. However, if he was so bad, why didn't you fire him A LONG TIME AGO?

The reason you let him go was still wrong. You wussed out, and gave in to the pressure of a couple of race-baiting hacks.

I'm no Imus fan, and never was -- but still think that if his show was to go, it should have been based on ratings, not an effort to be PC. If his listeners were offended, and turned him off, so be it.

CBS was once respected... but every year, you keep going further and further in the wrong direction. It's sad.

[kj2144]

Nice job of CBS jumping on the flogging on Imus when they have been employing him on the radio for years and never had a problem with him. Moonves was railroaded because he caved to threats by racist opportunists Sharpton and Jackson. Why would he have met with them knowing their past? That only gave credence to their bullying unethical tactics. Congratulations, CBS, you, along with the cowards at NBC, and all the others who have drug this out and enflamed racial tensions worse than they have been in awhile. In case you haven't noticed, sentiment is running about 80% against the firings. People, as a general rule, even those who couldn't have cared less about Imus, some who didn't even know he existed until this, feel this has been the utmost in hypocrisy and double standards. He insults everyone. Always has. It's like that rule that you learn in kindergarten -- if someone calls you a name, they are the fool. How you react speaks volumes about your self-worth that a foolish old man who makes dumb, unfunny, obnoxious comments about everyone across races and ethnicities, can somehow affect you.

[laurel1355]

How dare CBS! They are trying to justify their stepnfetchit action in firing Imus. They must think we're cretins that won't see past this. I thought Mike had more class but I was wrong. I've been watching 60 minutes since I was in high school; now I think I'll move on to less spiteful programming like Fox News.

[maxketter]

Amazing that 60 minutes programming and veracity has been called into question numerous and "NOW" we have a holier than now attitude. Too bad the new CBS can't go back and look at all the 60 minutes arcchives and broom their folks for either lies or corruption

[rjd54]

Dear Mr. Wallace,

I was a shame that in your destructive piece on Don Imus you didn%u2019t mention that you where one of his guest (frequently) to his show. Also, what about the $3,430,683.00 that was raised on his Radiothon last Thursday and Friday. The outcry should have included the removal from MSNBC and CBS Radio during his Radiothon, but that was doing good and your piece was created to only show the bad.

[gkenny56]

CBS News...60 minutes(regarding tonight's broadcast...in particular, the Imus segment):

Shame on you,

Shame on CBS,

Shame on Mike Wallace.

Shame on you for misrepresenting the truth, you know Imus, you know who he is and who he is not.

You and CBS (with your convenient editing) should be ashamed of yourselves.

Looks like you you were looking for justification for something someone in the front office did...cannot take credit for the following, but for sure it is true:

Imus will have a nation-wide syndicated program by Sept'07. and the person responsible for firing him will fired themselves...for not replacing the revenue lost...but this really does not tell the story...you should be ashamed of yourselves for not telling the truth about Don Imus...as they were fond of saying when people called in: "I've been a long-time viewer (listener) but this is the first time I've bother to write (call-in)...you're news show is pathetic...goodbye and good-luck.

Gerry

[novad91]

I hve interracial grandchildren...but even if I did not my views against racists would be the same! There is no room in this world for people who hate...people who make comments like the one Don Imus made,are the people who should be seen and not heard! I knew ther was a reason I never listened to his radio show.......
stephanie
Harrisburg, Pa.

[rtsmith9]

Mike Wallace, shame shame shame. I thought all you screaming flaming liberal types believed in freedom of speach. Smart money says if the founding fathers knew the way our constitution would be perverted by lawyers and reporters they would have kept to themselves. Freedom of speach, unless someone hears you then your punished. Freedom of expression, unless your expressions offend anyone. It was pathetic how you tossed Imus down like all the others. Every credible news source in ths nation has condusted polls since this began, 90 percent of America think Imus should not have been fired. But then again, 60 minutes has run its course.

[zebra1957]

Gutless,,,that is what I think!!!

After all, who is calling the shots.....I am absolutely ashamed to be a liberal who supported CBS after all these years,,,and to see you handle a delicate situation, that is very complex, in a simple manner that you have. It says that you have little regard for integrity.

[janmc11]

Mike Wallace has just shown he is a pompous hypocrite. Mr. Wallace appeared on the Imus show within the past 6 to 9 months to promote his new book, or whatever. If Mr. Imus is such as recist, as he implied, than why did he go on the show? I will boycott CBS and their affiliates until they apologize to Mr. Imus .

Incredible copout by Mike Wallace, Sixty Minutes and CBS. But what would you expect after their actions in canceling Imus.

We get a review of their report from more than 10 years ago but no details or opinions on the current travesty. No wonder CBS's ratings are abysmal.

If you are supposed to reort the news why don't you. Every poll and blog indicates the unfairness of CBS's and NBC's actions and you completely ingonre it.

[pescinski-2009]

You people are truly sick individuals with Mike Wallace at the helm. Don Imus caused a tremendous amount of "hurt" for which the media, the country and myself included, have punsihed him for. Let's move on!! Are you that desperate for ratings that you need to keep this issue going without letting anyone heal from it? You guys made perfectly clear tonight that you want to milk this to the bitter end, nto only for Don Imus but for the Rutgers Women's Basketball team. Get some lives and some ratings.

[beniceall]

Interacial Gramma - if only you knew Don Imus is more on your side than Mike Wallace and CBS - that said....CBS...looks like you made another wrong move...btw...Gave the "new" CBS News a real chance - missed the real news with Bob, but really enjoying Charlie Gibson now.

[rtsmith9]

Mike Wallace, shame shame shame. I thought all you screaming flaming liberal types believed in freedom of speach. Smart money says if the founding fathers knew the way our constitution would be perverted by lawyers and reporters they would have kept to themselves. Freedom of speach, unless someone hears you then your punished. Freedom of expression, unless your expressions offend anyone. It was pathetic how you tossed Imus down like all the others. Every credible news source in ths nation has condusted polls since this began, 90 percent of America think Imus should not have been fired. But then again, 60 minutes has run its course.

[rtsmith9]

Mike Wallace, shame shame shame. I thought all you screaming flaming liberal types believed in freedom of speach. Smart money says if the founding fathers knew the way our constitution would be perverted by lawyers and reporters they would have kept to themselves. Freedom of speach, unless someone hears you then your punished. Freedom of expression, unless your expressions offend anyone. It was pathetic how you tossed Imus down like all the others. Every credible news source in ths nation has condusted polls since this began, 90 percent of America think Imus should not have been fired. But then again, 60 minutes has run its course.

[tpac4]

Mr. Wallace,
You are unbelievable, your story was incredibly one sided. Why not report on the many charities Don Imus has raised money for or the time and millions of dollars he has contributed. Mr. Wallace you have appeared on the Imus show. You sir are a hypocrite. I hope that any time you make a mistake on the air someone takes up a cause to get you fired and destroy your career. I also would like you to think about what kind of world we live in, where we try to destroy someone who makes a mistake. I find it very despicable that people who were dying to get on his show are now treating him like he is an evil man. You make me sick!

[liberaltexan]

The real shame lies with all those "reporters" at Fox. I LOVED how Michelle Malkin called herself a *** on BO's show this week just so she could call her guest that.

You want a healthy does of shame? Cruise on over to FNC...those gutless turds don't know the meaning of it.

[chs_10021]

The comments while heinous and hurtful were not said with malice or racist intent - they are a symptom in a society of what is deemed comedic and fodder for everyday speech. This is an opportunity to sustain a meaningful discussion about race and gender which has now been squandered by his firing. His lack of political correctness is what makes his show interesting and he represents mainstream American attitudes whether we like it or not. We may not agree with what Don Imus said or like it - but it is his constitutional right to express it and he is NOT a racist - he simply made a stupid hurtful remark.

Imus is more than a shock jock - he is an American institution. Imus has great taste in music, books and is a champion of the environment, sick children and disabled veterans. My favorite thing about Imus, however, is his fearless and courageous attitude and willingness to discuss his recovery from drugs and alcohol. When Imus talks about what a grateful alcoholic he is has shows he is human and more than a talking head. His willingness to admit his mistake should be forgiven because nobody is perfect and making amends is something everyone can learn something about.

I hope that they bring Imus back on satellite and if so - I plan to subscribe. Shame on CBS for firing him. He made a mistake and the Rutgers team forgave him so why can't CBS reinstate him?

[chs_10021]

The comments while heinous and hurtful were not said with malice or racist intent - they are a symptom in a society of what is deemed comedic and fodder for everyday speech. This is an opportunity to sustain a meaningful discussion about race and gender which has now been squandered by his firing. His lack of political correctness is what makes his show interesting and he represents mainstream American attitudes whether we like it or not. We may not agree with what Don Imus said or like it - but it is his constitutional right to express it and he is NOT a racist - he simply made a stupid hurtful remark.

Imus is more than a shock jock - he is an American institution. Imus has great taste in music, books and is a champion of the environment, sick children and disabled veterans. My favorite thing about Imus, however, is his fearless and courageous attitude and willingness to discuss his recovery from drugs and alcohol. When Imus talks about what a grateful alcoholic he is has shows he is human and more than a talking head. His willingness to admit his mistake should be forgiven because nobody is perfect and making amends is something everyone can learn something about.

I hope that they bring Imus back on satellite and if so - I plan to subscribe. Shame on CBS for firing him. He made a mistake and the Rutgers team forgave him so why can't CBS reinstate him?

[tonymyown]

I%u2019d like to give the 60 Minutes team the benefit of the doubt that the piece on Don Imus was thrown together at the last minute. Otherwise, I would have to conclude that the decision not to include even a mention of his daily commitment to his ranch for kids with cancer, as well as his tireless efforts to come to the aid of our fallen soldiers, autistic children and others (the reasons I listened to his show) was intentional. Please say you have more integrity than that.

[chs_10021]

The comments while heinous and hurtful were not said with malice or racist intent - they are a symptom in a society of what is deemed comedic and fodder for everyday speech. This is an opportunity to sustain a meaningful discussion about race and gender which has now been squandered by his firing. His lack of political correctness is what makes his show interesting and he represents mainstream American attitudes whether we like it or not. We may not agree with what Don Imus said or like it - but it is his constitutional right to express it and he is NOT a racist - he simply made a stupid hurtful remark.

Imus is more than a shock jock - he is an American institution. Imus has great taste in music, books and is a champion of the environment, sick children and disabled veterans. My favorite thing about Imus, however, is his fearless and courageous attitude and willingness to discuss his recovery from drugs and alcohol. When Imus talks about what a grateful alcoholic he is has shows he is human and more than a talking head. His willingness to admit his mistake should be forgiven because nobody is perfect and making amends is something everyone can learn something about.

I hope that they bring Imus back on satellite and if so - I plan to subscribe. Shame on CBS for firing him. He made a mistake and the Rutgers team forgave him so why can't CBS reinstate him?

[smrtyplnts]

I'm sorry to see this happen to Don. I remember listening to him in the AM on the way to High School. Freedom of speech, and I guess: freedom to fire. Thank You Don for just being you and I wouldn't expect anything less. You are why whatever news or radio station you're on, has the ratings it does. This IS what we expect and why you do what you do. Honesty and YES.....you're OPINION. We all have a right to it. It doesn't mean we have to make a big deal out of it. I feel Jesse Jackson makes an A$#& out of himself every time he opens his mouth!! That's MY opiniion!!! What about these horrible, vulgar, disrespectful, and nasty Rap singers who say what they want...OH!!...and we let the radio play that ***, and we let our KIDS LISTEN TO THAT??? JUST AN OPINION !!! I'm sorry Don...Next week someone else will screw up and this will be forgotten. I wonder if next week a Black Guy will say something negative about us "White People"????? If so...maybe WE should make a big deal out of it!! JUST AN OPINION!!!

[laurel1355]

Not sure what fwnewsguy meant. Malik Shabazz called Michelle a prostitute for subbing for Bill OReilly on Thursday's show. And she responded by saying he was the one and only prostitute on the split screen. Anyhoo, Geraldo has just asked CBS to please give Imus his job back on his show right now!!!! I don't think Mike Wallace would ever do such a Christian thing.

[chs_10021]

The comments while heinous and hurtful were not said with malice or racist intent - they are a symptom in a society of what is deemed comedic and fodder for everyday speech. This is an opportunity to sustain a meaningful discussion about race and gender which has now been squandered by his firing. His lack of political correctness is what makes his show interesting and he represents mainstream American attitudes whether we like it or not. We may not agree with what Don Imus said or like it - but it is his constitutional right to express it and he is NOT a racist - he simply made a stupid hurtful remark.

Imus is more than a shock jock - he is an American institution. Imus has great taste in music, books and is a champion of the environment, sick children and disabled veterans. My favorite thing about Imus, however, is his fearless and courageous attitude and willingness to discuss his recovery from drugs and alcohol. When Imus talks about what a grateful alcoholic he is has shows he is human and more than a talking head. His willingness to admit his mistake should be forgiven because nobody is perfect and making amends is something everyone can learn something about.

I hope that they bring Imus back on satellite and if so - I plan to subscribe. Shame on CBS for firing him. He made a mistake and the Rutgers team forgave him so why can't CBS reinstate him?

[pared1]

This should'nt surprise anyone. Mike Wallace has always been an idiot. He's a nappy headed ho!He belongs on Fox with his moron son.

[xjr7274]

Your best efforts tonight were news from 10 years ago.... However, if you want to go back 10 years, you should have reported Sharpton's Twaina Brawley episode and Jessie Jackson's Hymietown comments....

If you want to be timely, why not mention the Imus Ranch, Tomorrow's Children's Fund, the Greening Products along with Imus' advocacy for our troops, our children with Autism, etc.?

Mike, it's really time for you to go... let's not forget your kissing up to your good friend - President of Iran.

Bye, bye. We're watching Charlie Gibson....

[seniorwriter]

As a journalist for many years and a devoted viewer of 60 Minutes for as long as you%u2019ve been on television, I have to say that this evening%u2019s report on Don Imus was as low as it gets.

What exactly was the purpose of showing a nearly 10-year-old interview with Imus as it applies to what happened last week? Is this supposed to solidify CBS%u2019 decision to can him? Mike Wallace should be ashamed of himself.
Sour grapes, Mike? Imus hasn't invited you on his show lately?

This segment was totally devoid of the normally well-reported, context-rich programming 60 Minutes is famous for. If Mike is too old to chase bad guys, don%u2019t insult our intelligence by blowing the dust off of an old segment and making him look like he%u2019s still part of the team. I was expecting at least a follow-up report with more interviews. But you left it at that. Lazy and inexcusable.

I%u2019m not watching anymore. This is worst than what Imus did. It%u2019s sucking up to the lynch mob that held a dangerous sway over this issue over the last two weeks.

Shame on you.

[slyisby]

Imus poked fun at all of us by showing the hypocrisy that we see every day in the media and in politics. Of course, his comments about the Rutgers team were way off base. Point taken. Move on. But when it came to pointing out the stupidity of the hypocritical news media, he was 100% correct. Your absolutely absurd "profile" of Imus tonight only shows that we truly do need someone like him to make us aware of just how agenda-driven the "news" really is.

[pkwilliams4]

Bravo Mike Wallace and CBS... But I wonder why it has taken so long to eliminate this disease.

[sbgrt]

Mr. Wallace and Mr. Ronney:

You both should be ashamed, one for your deliberate attack from 10 years ago; the other for your lack of courage; and both for not mentioning how many times you used him to promote your adgenda. What he said was WRONG and a two week suspenion fit the crime. Don't you think Imus was sincere when he said he would make amends. Who do you have now, the power hungrey Al Sharpton or Jesse Jackson who do more to develop hate between races?

[cerya]

Maybe using a vintage piece was a copout for some but I for one think people who didn't watch Imus might have been given some new info on this guy's hstory. The reality of his bigotry and outlandishly offensive manner was far worse than what this piece showed. Imus got what he deserved. Sure he did some good things. But that is no reason why he should get away again with his racist sexist comments.

[zebra1957]

Hey Don...
Lead an effort to take over CBS....start now...
when some famous investor tried to buy Chrysler 10 year ago, it was ten times the price he will buy it for today....perhaps CBS will realize it's future value now, and sell....and I will buy in

[quixotic57]

The hypocrisy and gutlessness demonstrated by MSNBC and CBS in firing Don Imus is appalling.
Now, obviously most of us would agree that the I Man's use of the "three dirty words" you can't say on television are socially unacceptable, particularly if they are expressed with a malevolent intent. Don Imus did not utter these words with such intent. He made a living out of offending all of us equally. This was his
shtick.

However,the words Imus spoke and worse are frequently expressed in the hallways of middle schools, high schools and colleges across the country. What Imus said was also no different that what comics and rappers also use as part of their routines. Moreover, they have crafted the use of the these words and other racially derogatory epithets into a multimillion dollar art form.

Imus was the victim of selective enforcement of a newly adpoted an ex post facto politically correct standard, that before Imus, had not been enforced against anyone saying the same thing.

Alas, the hypocrites prevailed. Will we soon see the air ways, television screens and comedy clubs entertain us with a "kinder and gentler form of humor and music"? Do we all feel better about our cultural future because Don Imus has been terminated? If you answered yes to either of these questions, the danger of more hypocrisy descending upon you is closer than you think.

[tpac4]

I am a long time 60 minutes viewer. After tonight I will never watch this show again. Way to go you have lost another viewer.

[bubbaandjudy]

To present a picture of a man as he was 10 years ago and not present him as he lives his life today is unfair and distorts the reality of Don Imus. Although there is too much tasteless and sophomoric humor on the show, there can be no doubt that the charity work that Imus and his wife and son do has made a big difference in the man. For crying out loud, he goes to a ranch in New Mexico where he is on oxygen to breathe just to help kids with cancer. Soldiers back from Iraq are getting much needed treatment in a new hospital in Texas because of his program.

Cut the man some slack; he used a term commonly
used by too many African Americans to
describe themselves, to wit, Whoopi Goldberg's One Ho productions. And of course Ms. Goldberg immediately called for his dismissal. Get real.

Judy Caldwell - Sarasota, FL

[laurel1355]

Do ya'll think they will read excerpts from our discussions on next weeks 60 minutes? Is anyone going to watch to find out? lol

[frb01]

I don't know what the point is in kicking a guy when he is down. If Geraldo asked on the air for Imus to get his job back, then I have to applaud him for standing by his convictions. What Imus did was wrong, but the people he wronged are willing to forgive, so shouldn't some of the rest of us think about it. Imus could have been one of the outlets to keep this dialogue going, instead as one other post said, he will be back by years end on some media if he chooses to.

[pared1]

What's the difference between a Wallace and a catfish? One is an ugly, scum sucking bottom-feeder and the other is a fish.

[blackswan40]

It would have been nice if 60 minutes covered the Rutgers women's college basketball team rather than give Don Imus more coverage. The Rutger's young women are truly the ones that deserved to be given a segement on 60 minutes. Lets hear their stories, things they have accomplised, their goals for the future. This was yet another missed opportunity by CBS to highlight really accomplished people. Get it together CBS news.

[etoilebebe]

Nice try CBS, trying to justify why you fired Don Imus. I am not an Imus fan, however, this has been blown way out of proportion.

Imus may have apologized to keep his job, but CBS fired him for the same reason: economics. If this language had really been offensive to you, Imus would have been fired long ago.

How many radio stations owned by CBS play Gangsta Rap and Hip Hop music. Although CBS pretends to be outraged by the language common in this kind of "music," corporations like yours cannot afford to come out against it. Most of the people making money from Gangsta Rap and Hip Hop are Black artists. Are you willing to pull it off your airwaves and fire those responsible for it?

Even with all this outrage nothing will come of this as far as getting rid of offensive Rap and Hip Hop, it will be forgotten like O.J. Simpson looking for the %u201Creal killer,%u201D and no one in the media, will care.

Did you even give a second thought to the children at his ranch, and the disabled veterans at Walter Reed who will suffer because he is not there to promote their cause? I guess CBS will just consider them collateral damage.

You are not fooling the viewing public with this report. Everyone knows you caved into the terrorist-like demands of charlatans like Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson who have no credibility of their own.

You proved that the President isn't the only one who is willing to lie and twist the facts to save his ***.

[kdanahy3]

OH GIVE ME A BREAK 60 MINUTES...WHAT KILLS ME ABOUT THIS ABSURDITY AND HYPOCRICY IS THAT IT WAS REPORTED THAT NBC AND CBS BOWED TO WHAT THE PEOPLE WANTED (ie) THE HEAD OF IMUS ON A SILVER PLATTER...WHEN ALL I HEARD FROM THE RADIO AND PEOPLE WHO ACTUALLY TUNEF INTO IMUS, IS HOW STUPID THEY WERE BEING IN TERMINATING HIM. REALLY, THEY BUCKLED UNDER PRESSURE FROM THE PEOPLE EH???? WHAT PEOPLE WAS THAT? BECAUSE I ONLY SAW A HANDFUL OF PEOPLE PROTESTING ON TV. PROBABLY PEOPLE WHO DIDNT HAVE JOBS BECAUSE MOST OF IMUS'S LISTENERS ARE EARLY RISERS ON THERE WAY TO WORK IN THE MORNING THE HURT IN THIS IS FROM THE FIRE THAT REV SHARPTON AND JACKSON STARTED...AFTER ALL IF THEY DIDNT START A RIOT OVER THIS, THEY WOULDN'T HAVE A JOB NOW WOULD THEY?
BLACK PEOPLE ARE SICK AND TIRED OF BEING THE "VICTIMS" THAT JACKSON AND SHARPTON CLAME THEY ARE...THE PEOPLEP I TALKED TO DIDNT CALL FOR THE FIRING OF MR. IMUS... ...IF YOU REALLY WANT THE PUBLIC OPINION OF IMUS THEN TAKE A DAMB POLE...BECAUSE HERE IN BOSTON THERE WOULD BE MORE PEOPLE ON HIS SIDE THAN YOU MAKE IT OUT TO BE...HELL, DONT LISTEN IF YOU DONT LIKE IT...ISNT THAT WHAT THEY SAID ABOUT RAP MUSIC?...SO I DONT LISTEN TO DIRTY RACIST SEXIST RAP MUSIC WHICH IS TEN TIMES WORSE THAN ANYTHING IMUS HAS SAID...AND DONT PLAY THE "OH IT'S AND ART" NOT A TALK SHOW...GIVE ME A BREAK SNOOP DOG!! I MISS IMUS.

[kdanahy3]

OH GIVE ME A BREAK 60 MINUTES...WHAT KILLS ME ABOUT THIS ABSURDITY AND HYPOCRICY IS THAT IT WAS REPORTED THAT NBC AND CBS BOWED TO WHAT THE PEOPLE WANTED (ie) THE HEAD OF IMUS ON A SILVER PLATTER...WHEN ALL I HEARD FROM THE RADIO AND PEOPLE WHO ACTUALLY TUNEF INTO IMUS, IS HOW STUPID THEY WERE BEING IN TERMINATING HIM. REALLY, THEY BUCKLED UNDER PRESSURE FROM THE PEOPLE EH???? WHAT PEOPLE WAS THAT? BECAUSE I ONLY SAW A HANDFUL OF PEOPLE PROTESTING ON TV. PROBABLY PEOPLE WHO DIDNT HAVE JOBS BECAUSE MOST OF IMUS'S LISTENERS ARE EARLY RISERS ON THERE WAY TO WORK IN THE MORNING THE HURT IN THIS IS FROM THE FIRE THAT REV SHARPTON AND JACKSON STARTED...AFTER ALL IF THEY DIDNT START A RIOT OVER THIS, THEY WOULDN'T HAVE A JOB NOW WOULD THEY?
BLACK PEOPLE ARE SICK AND TIRED OF BEING THE "VICTIMS" THAT JACKSON AND SHARPTON CLAME THEY ARE...THE PEOPLEP I TALKED TO DIDNT CALL FOR THE FIRING OF MR. IMUS... ...IF YOU REALLY WANT THE PUBLIC OPINION OF IMUS THEN TAKE A DAMB POLE...BECAUSE HERE IN BOSTON THERE WOULD BE MORE PEOPLE ON HIS SIDE THAN YOU MAKE IT OUT TO BE...HELL, DONT LISTEN IF YOU DONT LIKE IT...ISNT THAT WHAT THEY SAID ABOUT RAP MUSIC?...SO I DONT LISTEN TO DIRTY RACIST SEXIST RAP MUSIC WHICH IS TEN TIMES WORSE THAN ANYTHING IMUS HAS SAID...AND DONT PLAY THE "OH IT'S AND ART" NOT A TALK SHOW...GIVE ME A BREAK SNOOP DOG!! I MISS IMUS.

[b2burns]

Don Imus is an old liberal reprobate who, trying to be hip, panders to those in his audience who created the very words and phrases that caused his dismissal. The real story is the hypocrisy displayed by CBS when the going got tough. I'm sure CBS will redeem itself, however, by distancing itself from Al Sharpton reference to "Greek homos" and repeatedly using the n-word to motivate Black audiences - or will it?

[tbweb]

Imus always belonged on Late Night TV in my view along with Jay Leno and the others. Imus even insulted his own wife when she visited his show! Imus spreads the wealth, nobody is exempt, this is what Imus is about and what Imus does, Imus is a shock jock for crying out loud and makes millions doing it. Don't feel sorry for Imus, Imus will end up on Satellite Radio doubling or tripling his current salary! Imus isn't going anywhere, fans just won't have the visual!

[darthwaldo]

This is an edited version of the 1996 interview. But one part is strangely missing from the original piece shown in 1996.

Mike Wallace quote from the interview:

"I listen to Imus and I have to admit that I find him irresistable."

Mike, you sold out to the media lynch mob.

http://ukiahcoachbrown.blogspot.com/

[neilt49]

Great to see the overwhelming support for Don Imus and the distaste for Wallace's torch job tonight in these comments. Now it's time to flood CBS & NBC with complaints about their actions and suppport for Don Imus.
Power To The People!

[sllewl]

As an "Anglo-Saxon" or "white" person who is raisng teenagers, we were all appalled that anyone would say what he did. "Rappers" use that language, comedians might say something about it but for a man of supposed "influential power" to say what he did not only infuriated me but left our teens "puzzled."

Thank you CBS for "drawing" the line!

[nomushin]

Mr Wallace would have us believe we can judge a man from a ten year old interview. Run statements without providing any context or explanation of what the show is about, and somehow he "knows" Imus, the man. Listen to Imus for thirty years, as I have, and you realize how ridiculous any charges of racism are. Mr Wallace should be ashamed of himself, not only for a basically pointless report, but also for his inability or fear of expressing his own opinion. The rats really are the first to abandon ship. Climb aboard the SS Al Sharpton, Mr Wallace, all guilt ridden, pandering so called "journalists" are welcome.

[nomushin]

Mr Wallace would have us believe we can judge a man from a ten year old interview. Run statements without providing any context or explanation of what the show is about, and somehow he "knows" Imus, the man. Listen to Imus for thirty years, as I have, and you realize how ridiculous any charges of racism are. Mr Wallace should be ashamed of himself, not only for a basically pointless report, but also for his inability or fear of expressing his own opinion. The rats really are the first to abandon ship. Climb aboard the SS Al Sharpton, Mr Wallace, all guilt ridden, pandering so called "journalists" are welcome.