Oh, boy, gotta love (hate?) those "hot mics." For some reason, media and political types are always forgetting that microphones tend to record whatever you say whether you want them to or not. Remember Ronald Reagan's "We begin bombing in five minutes" line about Russia that he didn't know was being recorded? Remember how Jesse Jackson said of President Obama, "I want to cut his balls off" -- also a comment he didn't realize was being recorded? The latest hot mic gaffe is from Yahoo News Washington Bureau Chief David Chalian, who had the misfortune of speaking his mind in some pretty crass terms while his mic was still on. And he just lost his job because of it.
Chalian was taking part in an ABC/Yahoo News livestream of the Republican National Convention when he was caught on mic saying that Mitt Romney "didn't care at all" about Hurricane Isaac and that he and Ann "are happy to party with black people drowning."
Er ... yikes? Yahoo News quickly canned Chalian and issued a response, saying the bureau chief's comment "was inappropriate and does not represent the views of Yahoo!"
Wow. You'd think when people are wearing a microphone, they'd just utter niceties and banalities and keep it strictly business. But I know how it is. I've worn those microphones. You do forget they're there. And then you start relaxing. And joking around. And getting friendly with the camera crew and people around you. And then you utter something that gets you in major trouble. Well, luckily I haven't done that. Yet!
People in the media -- just like actors -- tend to be "on" a lot. We're accustomed to holding court in a room with jokes, stories, and gossip. What media types should never forget though is that not everyone shares their sense of humor or views. The people in your general vicinity may "get" you, but when you've got a mic or camera on you, you are reaching way beyond your general vicinity.
As for what Chalian said, I understand not liking or agreeing with Mitt Romney or his religion or views, but this comment is out of line. Still, it's a shame that one off-the-comment could destroy this long-time journalist's career.
Do you think Chalian should have been fired? You can hear him speaking in the background of the below video.
Audio via Newsbusters.org/YouTube
This Hot Dad Wants to Do Your Ironing
This Hot Dad Wants to Cook You Dinner
This Hot Dad Cooks AND Does the Dishes
Kanye West is Gay?! 
Comments 16
Boy. Everyone sure is scared of Romney today. LOL!!!
If you are worried about Mr. Romney, read what he wrote, not the crap from typical reporters who have their heads up their a$$.
Besides, what's wrong with family, living within your means, and doing what you say you will do?
Grow up and them maybe you will be ready to do your job again.
It is also extremely common and what we are sadly accustomed to hearing from the disgusting filth of the left.
However, the broader issue is, the volumes that it speaks about the media.
About how much is the liberal media bias worth, in dollars, to the democrat party?
Some "tweets", lest anyone think this is in any way isolated:
Gwen Ifill, couple of shows at PBS and moderator of 2004 and 2008 Vice Presidential debates;
"One mistake does not change this. @DavidChalian is God's gift to political journalism. #IStandwithDavid"
Sam Youngman campaign correspondent for Reuters;
"I think the world of @DavidChalian. Don't condone or understand what he said, but he knows politics and he's a good guy."
Glenn Thrush covers the White House for Politico;
"David Chalian is a great guy, a terrific journalist and not someone -- in my experience -- who thumbs the scale. I wish him the best... "
Oh, remind me again, who is it that is waging a "War on Women"(tm)? I forget...
And of course, don't forget, if a Republican mispronounces a word, or cites a Bureau of Labor Statistics or Congressional Budget Office official number, that is still a "scandal"...
And Obama is happy to fundraise with black people drowning.