In the debate over Don Imus’ offensive comments about the Rutgers women’s basketball team, many bloggers and pundits have focused on the fact that despite Imus’ history of inflammatory remarks, politicians and media celebrities have continued to appear on his show over the years.
One big time politician, who has said that he likes to “listen to Don Imus in the morning,” has thus far escaped scrutiny for his relationship to fallen shock jock: Vice President Dick Cheney.
In January 2005, on the day of Bush’s second inaugaration, Cheney and his wife, Lynne, granted Imus a lengthy, exclusive interview, in which Mrs. Cheney affectionately referred to Imus as “the I-man.”
Asked to explain why Cheney chose Imus’ show for the big inaugaration day interview, long-time Cheney adviser Mary Matalin, who negotiated the appearance for the vice president, told the New York Times:
The vice president, she said, “has a wry sense of humor.”
“He has the same sense of humor that Imus has. He thinks Imus is funny. He gets good guests on. And he asks good questions. It’s not really strategic or complicated. Not everything we do has to work on 50 different levels.”
Vice President Cheney has not yet been asked to comment on the Imus controversy, but given his past relationship with Imus, it might be worth some reporter asking if he still shares Imus’ sense of humor.
Transcript of a portion of the interview:
IMUS: I know you both have to go. My final question would be, I know voted for the other guy, you know, but that could all change if we could–and I’m willing to do this for full transparency, if we could make some sort of Armstrong Williams deal.
(LAUGHTER)
L. CHENEY: Oh, well, we’ve got one.
R. CHENEY: We do. We brought the bribe before you.
(LAUGHTER)
L. CHENEY: We’ve got it right here.
IMUS: Oh, you do?
L. CHENEY: Yes, we didn’t come empty handed.
R. CHENEY: This is very (INAUDIBLE) gifts, some pork chops for Pork Chop Boy.
(APPLAUSE)
IMUS: The vice president of the United States and Mrs. Cheney, thank you both very much.
R. CHENEY: No, there’s one more.
IMUS: Oh, one more?
L. CHENEY: We brought tofu, because we know Jerger (ph) doesn’t let you eat pork chops.
(LAUGHTER)
IMUS: Thank you both very much.
R. CHENEY: Thank you, sir. We enjoy the show.
IMUS: Good luck, and congratulations.
(APPLAUSE)
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