Chalk another one up for CNN on the media professionalism board. On this afternoon’s “Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer,” former Obama Green Jobs Czar, avowed Communist, 9/11 truther, and regular CNN contributor Van Jones told a political panel — twice — that Mitt Romney was a “douche” in the last presidential debate. You can view the video here.
To those familiar with Jones’ m.o., as disgusting and pathetic as his comments were, they shouldn’t come as much of a shock. He has a reputation for garbage-spewing. But CNN knew exactly what they were getting when they gave him a platform to air his brand of political filth. Breitbart.com’s John Nolte rightly called out CNN for its willfully poor judgment:
This is all on CNN, not Jones.
It’s also on Barack Obama — a look into the type of people he appoints to important White House “Czar” positions.
Van Jones was just being Van Jones — a leftist flamethrower who hurls vitriol like few others. But this is what happens when the left-wing media attempts to take these radicals and normalize their extreme views.
Exactly. As a media outlet, CNN should demand only the utmost professionalism from its employees. By hiring thugs like Jones, CNN demonstrates its lack of regard for journalistic integrity — and its lack of respect for the viewers.
To his credit, Jones did return before the end of the show for a halfhearted apology:
Van Jones just did awkward walk-on to apologize to Romney for calling him a 'douche' twice ON THE AIR.
— Burn, Democrat-Run Cities, Burn! (@NolteNC) October 16, 2012
Van Jones just apologized for callng Romney a "douche' on CNN. That sure wasn't cuz MSM 'watchdogs' went after him.
— Burn, Democrat-Run Cities, Burn! (@NolteNC) October 16, 2012
More from Politico:
“I just wanted to say, listen, I want to apologize to you, to the CNN audience and to Gov. Romney himself,” Van Jones said just before 6 p.m. “Very poor choice of words, and I regret it. I apologize.”
“And I know you do, and I know you feel bad about it. And I’m glad you apologized,” CNN’s Wolf Blitzer replied. “Thanks very much, Van, for that.”
Yeah. Thanks a lot, Van.
For their part, liberals cheered Jones’ initial remarks:
“@Shugah: As much as Mitt Romney wants to be up in everybody's vagina, douche should be a compliment.” Ha!!!
— reece (@reecyru) October 16, 2012
And many felt he shouldn’t have apologized for making them:
https://twitter.com/celestemc/status/258331208906338304
https://twitter.com/BonnieNathan/status/258341371864293377
Van Jones calling Romney a "douche" and apologizing later for that, I see no reason to apologize. I have lots more choice words than that!
— Douglas Varner (@blade3952) October 16, 2012
Conservatives were disgusted by the spectacle:
O made this douche a Czar & CNN promotes him"@NolteNC: CNN Panelist Calls Romney a 'Douche' Twice http://t.co/jUqNgO9g via @BreitbartNews”
— MagnoliaPeach ?? (@magnoliapeach) October 16, 2012
https://twitter.com/theotherone7/status/258317338292678656
@CNN Keeping it classy there CNN? SMH. http://t.co/Y0BD336Y
— TL (@tonylamorte) October 16, 2012
@cnn you must be proud of the classy, intelligent commentary you put out over there… @andersoncooper http://t.co/6KLT2zs9
— Matthew (@_MATH_YOU) October 16, 2012
https://twitter.com/debwilliams/status/258319554344792064
@AC360 VAN JONES CALLS ROMNEY A "DOUCHE" ON LIVE TV !! This is sick, watched it with my 10 year old.
— wite rabbit (@witerabbit) October 16, 2012
Van Jones calls Romney a "douche"? See, that's what I mean, libs are so eloquent and classy!
— TAM I AM (@Lovin_the_life4) October 16, 2012
https://twitter.com/redsteeze/status/258311164419780608
https://twitter.com/suzanneyack/status/258335973857951744
Cant believe this man spent time in the White House. disgraceful http://t.co/IY3eBsFL
— Sean Parnell (@SeanParnellUSA) October 16, 2012
It’s worth noting that another CNN contributor will be moderating tonight’s presidential debate:
Van Jones just called Romney a "douche" twice on CNN with no ramifications from host. Umm, where does tonight's debate moderator work?
— Leslie ن (@LADowd) October 16, 2012
Fortunately, unlike her colleague, Candy Crowley will exercise restraint and decorum tonight. Here’s hoping CNN learns how to do the same.
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Related:
Unhinged: Van Jones tweets pic of Romney covered in Big Bird droppings
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