Essay 4595

Talking talk shows in a MultiCultClassics Monologue…

• Sen. Larry Craig told his side of the story to NBC’s Matt Lauer in an interview televised Tuesday. When asked if he knew the toilet stall was a cruising spot, Craig replied, “Not at all. I go to bathrooms to use bathrooms.” Craig also continued his insistence that he’s not gay, professing his devotion to his wife. “I love this woman very, very much,” said Craig. “And the day I found her I fell in love, deeply in love. And that’s lasted—we’re heading toward our 25th anniversary.” Maybe they’ll celebrate by going on a cruise.

• The news of Don Imus’ return to the airwaves inspired talk from the Rev. Al Sharpton, who is asking that Imus’ new bosses meet with the National Association of Black Journalists. “Though no one argues Mr. Imus’ right to make a living, clearly, public-advocacy groups have more than enough reason to be concerned that his return will not return us to the racist and misogynist tirades of the past,” said Sharpton. “Certainly, advertisers who enjoy supporting a broad-based consumer market should be assured that if they resume financial support to the Don Imus show that he will not engage in the kind of rhetoric that led to his demise earlier this year. … It is interesting to us at National Action Network that Imus expressed such contrition … but those that want to employ him want to shun away from any dialogue.” If only Sen. Larry Craig would adopt a similar no-dialogue tactic.