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War On Christmas Resumes? NPR’s Nina Totenberg Regrets Saying “Christmas Party”

» 53 comments

On Sunday’s Inside Washington, NPR’s Nina Totenberg apologized for using the words “Christmas party” in a discussion about budgets. It’s unclear why she became as red in the face as the red Christmas flowers behind her when she mistakenly allowed the “offensive” words to escape from her lips. Yet she does regret that no alternative expression was available to describe the party she attended.

Maybe in the wake of Juan Williams’ firing, NPR employees, just to be safe, apologize for anything in advance? Totenberg’s expanded comment:

We just passed this huge tax cut in part because business said, you know, we have to plan, we have to know what kind of tax cuts we have. Well, these agencies, including the Defense Department, don’t know how much money they’ve got and for what. And I was at a – forgive the expression – a Christmas party at the Department of Justice and people actually were really worried about this.

And please forgive the above-mentioned description of the flowers, I should have referred to them as red poinsettias.

Watch the clip below from Inside Washington:

(h/t Newsbusters)

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  • tatboy

    This isn’t a shock from a woman that wished AIDS on Helmes’s grandchildren.

  • murf

    Nina Totenberg , forgive-the-expresson is a liberal dope.

  • BatBoy

    “…a Christmas party at the Department of Justice”

    How can this be?

    Are they going to sue themselves for mixing Church and State?

  • Big Eddie

    Bet Nina is a heap of fun . Merry Christmas to Tommy Christopher , not to Tommy Xtopher . There’s no Xmas .

  • Tucker P.

    About 2 seconds into eternity . She might just find out what it is like to be dissed .

  • felixw

    Maybe the folks at NPR can try “The Holiday That Cannot Be Named.” Sort of like Lord Voldemort in the Harry Potter books.

    But perhaps the hosts have a good reason to avoid saying the word Christmas. After Juan Williams was fired on the most nebulous of grounds, others at NPR no doubt fear that the slightest lapse from politically correct speech and their job may be on the lines.

  • SarahP

    murf said:
    Nina Totenberg , forgive-the-expresson is a liberal dope.

    What are you, some sort of Rhodes Scholar?

  • notsofast

    She is one deplorable lib. I wonder if her comment reflects the beliefs of NPR.

    I think she needs to talk to her psychiatrist.

  • SarahP

    notsofast said:
    She is one deplorable lib. I wonder if her comment reflects the beliefs of NPR.

    I think she needs to talk to her psychiatrist.

    Not as deplorable as notsomuch who sleeps with vinyl Glen. How are you two doing? We need to catch up.

  • murf

    SarahP said:
    What are you, some sort of Rhodes Scholar?

    Internet Troll

    —A person whose sole purpose in life is to seek out people to argue with on the internet over extremely trivial issues. Such arguments can happen on blogs, Facebook, Myspace and a host of others.
    The best thing you can do to fight an internet troll is to not answer..or report them.

    –An Internet troll, or simply troll in Internet slang, is someone who posts controversial, inflammatory, irrelevant or off-topic messages in an online community, such as an online discussion forum or chat room, with the primary intent of provoking other users into an emotional response or to generally disrupt normal on-topic discussion.

    –A person who feeds off the anger of others as he enrages them over the internet.

    —Someone who causes dismay to someone on the internet that they don’t even know, much less befrended on a site. They are most likely known to put lame or hurtful comments on someone’s facebook, YouTube video (mainly videos in which the user is attempting something new like animation or clay mation), or anywhere you can openly post comments. Internet Trolls are known to also have nver contributed to the site they terrorize on and have a lame username. The best way to control the troll is to post a hurtful comment back or just delete, mark as spam, or report the comment.

    http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=internet+troll

  • SmartAlec

    I say this with the utmost sincerity-

    MERRY CHRISTMAS NINA!!!

  • SarahP

    murf said:
    Internet Troll

    —A person whose sole purpose in life is to seek out people to argue with on the internet over extremely trivial issues. Such arguments can happen on blogs, Facebook, Myspace and a host of others.
    The best thing you can do to fight an internet troll is to not answer..or report them.

    –An Internet troll, or simply troll in Internet slang, is someone who posts controversial, inflammatory, irrelevant or off-topic messages in an online community, such as an online discussion forum or chat room, with the primary intent of provoking other users into an emotional response or to generally disrupt normal on-topic discussion.

    –A person who feeds off the anger of others as he enrages them over the internet.

    —Someone who causes dismay to someone on the internet that they don’t even know, much less befrended on a site. They are most likely known to put lame or hurtful comments on someone’s facebook, YouTube video (mainly videos in which the user is attempting something new like animation or clay mation), or anywhere you can openly post comments. Internet Trolls are known to also have nver contributed to the site they terrorize on and have a lame username. The best way to control the troll is to post a hurtful comment back or just delete, mark as spam, or report the comment.

    http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=internet+troll

    Nice curt and paste. My dog can do a better job. You’re pathetic.

  • SmartAlec

    Bull’s Eye murf!!

  • notsofast

    SarahP said:
    Not as deplorable as notsomuch who sleeps with vinyl Glen. How are you two doing? We need to catch up.

    Suck a big one, libby!

  • SarahP

    notsofast said:
    Suck a big one, libby!

    That’s what Glen said.

  • ImNotBlue

    As someone who does not celebrate Christmas, I can tell you all this “not-Christmas” renaming is more offensive than actually calling it what it is.

    “A holiday tree,” is not a “holiday tree.” It is a Christmas tree. Do you think by not calling it a “Christmas tree,” I won’t recognize that it’s celebrating a holiday I don’t? Do you think I’ll accept it as my own, only pausing for a moment to wonder why I don’t have one in my house? Really?!

    Call it what it is! I see it as more elitism coming from those who think they’re better than everyone else… “if I change the name, you won’t know or understand what I’m doing.” Please.

    That said… it can be a holiday party, celebrating multiple holidays. Calling it a “Christmas Party,” doesn’t mean that it’s necessarily ONLY a “Christmas Party.” Relax, Nina. Try worrying about something important instead.

  • Nacho

    I don’t feel the headline and the synopsis of the clip really match the clip.

    It makes for some good PC bashing though.

  • SarahP

    SmartAlec said:
    Bull’s Eye murf!!

    Whats it like to have an IQ on par with a can of Alpo? “Bulls eye murf.” LMAO!!

  • ImNotBlue

    SarahP said:
    Nice curt and paste. My dog can do a better job. You’re pathetic.

    Curt and paste?

    And let’s take you up on that… can your dog really do a better job? Let it type here for a week, and we’ll see if anyone notices it’s not you.

  • Just4thefax

    SarahP said:
    What are you, some sort of Rhodes Scholar?

    Fact: Mediaite’s very own expert source for news and information…. Sarah P….. Just another attempt at the Hooey dope democrats to the rally call!

  • Just4thefax

    Fact: The post threads subject sucks so they sent out the sarah P to fog the weak thread! Again this one sucks…

  • notsofast

    SarahP said:
    SarahP says:
    December 20, 2010 at 7:38 pm SarahP(Quote)

    I may not have seen the last of you, but the first of you turns my stomach.

    I wish you had received oxygen at birth, but hey, you are what you are.

  • Nacho

    Speaking amongst a mix audience trying to have an objective few, a professional should always err on the side of prudence.

  • SarahP

    Just4thefax said:
    Fact: Mediaite’s very own expert source for news and information…. Sarah P….. Just another attempt at the Hooey dope democrats to the rally call!

    You must have a Monday night cross burning to attend. You are late and you don’t have any balls to speak of. This will not go over well with the boys from storm front.

  • SarahP

    notsofast said:
    I may not have seen the last of you, but the first of you turns my stomach.

    I wish you had received oxygen at birth, but hey, you are what you are.

    If Glen has deflated then you need to direct your attention to Rush. Pucker up and blow – you’re the expert.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Ed-Ross/1043648898 Ed Ross

    At Christmas time we give presents to those we love. So, if you love America, what are you giving her this year?

    Men and women in U.S. armed forces in Iraq and Afghanistan are giving her their blood, sweat and tears. Some are giving their lives or limbs for her. Their mothers, fathers, spouses and children are giving her their sons and daughters, husbands and wives, fathers and mothers. Every family in service to America at home and abroad this Christmas, at the very least, is giving her their time.

    http://www.ewross.com/christmas_presents_for_america.htm

  • SmartAlec

    Yep. SarahP is without a doubt the old and much hated drive-by “Ted”.

    I’m glad he changed his avatar though, even a funny-faced Sarah is still hotter than most liberal women.

  • SarahP

    SmartAlec said:
    Yep. SarahP is without a doubt the old and much hated drive-by “Ted”.

    I’m glad he changed his avatar though, even a funny-faced Sarah is still hotter than most liberal women.

    I think I’m in love with Ted.

  • SarahP

    SmartAlec said:
    Yep. SarahP is without a doubt the old and much hated drive-by “Ted”.

    I’m glad he changed his avatar though, even a funny-faced Sarah is still hotter than most liberal women.

    Can one of you assholes, like you alec of the very lame and juvenile avatar tell me about “Ted.” I think I have found a kindred spirit. You are the second person to mention “Ted.” This is exciting.

  • http://www.libertarianism.com/ Jack Burns

    Nina Totenberg Regrets Saying “Christmas Party”

    What a dried up old prune. Hope she gets run over by a reindeer!

  • SarahP

    SmartAlec said:
    Yep. SarahP is without a doubt the old and much hated drive-by “Ted”.

    I’m glad he changed his avatar though, even a funny-faced Sarah is still hotter than most liberal women.

    I think that “Ted” is / has been a real thorn in your ass. I love the guy – God bless you “Ted” wherever you are you magnificent bastard!! LMAO!!

  • LibertySister

    SarahP said:
    You must have a Monday night cross burning to attend. You are late and you don’t have any balls to speak of. This will not go over well with the boys from storm front.

    LMAO, Typical comment of a stupied liberial who knows nothing about history or trys to change it.
    Why is it when you and others like yourself dont have anything smart to say or have any facts they call everyone a racist and think …. “ahh that will get them”…
    But forget the democract party was the party of the south and the KKK and the ones who tried to stop the civil rights movement.
    Facts and History seem to leave the minds of you and your liberal little buddies.

  • SmartAlec

    SarahP said:
    I think that “Ted” is / has been a real thorn in your ass.

    Sounds like I might be a thorn in yours. You posted 3 replies to one comment I made…snicker

  • James Nelson

    I was reading the article about Shep Smith calling the GOP’s lack of patriotism vis-a-vis the first responders and wondered where the right wing extremist commenters were. And lo and behold, I found ‘em all here, worried about the war on Christmas! I guess you all think that is so much more important than a bunch of sick heroes.

  • James Nelson

    Ed Ross said:
    At Christmas time we give presents to those we love. So, if you love America, what are you giving her this year? Men and women in U.S. armed forces in Iraq and Afghanistan are giving her their blood, sweat and tears. Some are giving their lives or limbs for her. Their mothers, fathers, spouses and children are giving her their sons and daughters, husbands and wives, fathers and mothers. Every family in service to America at home and abroad this Christmas, at the very least, is giving her their time. http://www.ewross.com/christmas_presents_for_america.htm

    Ed, I would suggest that Americans who love their country would sacrifice a little for their country. Many of them could go down to the recruiters’ offices and volunteer to defend their country, like a lot of other Americans have done over the years. Staying at home, singing Christmas carols doesn’t seem like much of a sacrifice, does it?

  • ImNotBlue

    James Nelson said:
    Ed, I would suggest that Americans who love their country would sacrifice a little for their country. Many of them could go down to the recruiters’ offices and volunteer to defend their country, like a lot of other Americans have done over the years. Staying at home, singing Christmas carols doesn’t seem like much of a sacrifice, does it?

    And what do YOU do?

  • dsghtjty

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  • James Nelson

    ImNotBlue said:
    And what do YOU do?

    Me, I joined the army many years ago, and served three years for my country. Spent one Christmas in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean on a troop ship, and another one in a foreign country. Thanks for asking.

  • http://none pyrope

    murf said:
    Nina Totenberg , forgive-the-expresson is a liberal dope.

    Nothing to forgive.

  • ImNotBlue

    James Nelson said:
    Me, I joined the army many years ago, and served three years for my country. Spent one Christmas in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean on a troop ship, and another one in a foreign country. Thanks for asking.

    (If that’s true) thank you for your service!

    But do you really believe the only people who “love their country” are the people who served in the military in some capacity?

    What about you… you said you served for 3 years. Why only 3? Do you think the people who were there for 4 or 5 love their country more than you?

  • http://none pyrope

    Ed Ross said:
    At Christmas time we give presents to those we love. So, if you love America, what are you giving her this year?

    Maybe not as much as I would like to give but the USO sure was a nice thing to have around when I was in service. They even helped me improve my English.

  • James Nelson

    ImNotBlue said:
    (If that’s true) thank you for your service! But do you really believe the only people who “love their country” are the people who served in the military in some capacity? What about you… you said you served for 3 years. Why only 3? Do you think the people who were there for 4 or 5 love their country more than you?

    Of course not. I had an uncle who worked in the factories in WWII. What I am saying, is that I believe that in this great country of ours, when times are tough, when there are wars going on, when our nation is at risk, then everyone whom is able should sacrifice.

  • James Nelson

    pyrope said:
    Maybe not as much as I would like to give but the USO sure was a nice thing to have around when I was in service. They even helped me improve my English.

    Amen to that. There are a lot of great Americans, mostly retired, who volunteer at the USO. That place is great when you need a place to relax for awhile.

  • The Real Royal King

    James Nelson said:
    0 1
    ImNotBlue said:
    (If that’s true) thank you for your service! But do you really believe the only people who “love their country” are the people who served in the military in some capacity? What about you… you said you served for 3 years. Why only 3? Do you think the people who were there for 4 or 5 love their country more than you?
    Of course not. I had an uncle who worked in the factories in WWII. What I am saying, is that I believe that in this great country of ours, when times are tough, when there are wars going on, when our nation is at risk, then everyone whom is able should sacrifice.

    I have no problem about any of that as long as we all agree people getting on the internet and kvetching is not an indicia of love of country. Something more is required. Something positive.

  • The Real Royal King

    It’s like a war movie. Every time you go to one, the Germans lose. Every year, we supposedly declare war on Christmas. Every year Christmas wins. Hail the Victor!

  • tigerprez

    “Christmas” is clearly a dirty word now. I really think we need to remove Christmas as a designated federal holiday, since it’s such an offensive word and concept, and we should all work on that day in the spirit of separation of church and state. Sorry kids! No more “Offensive Religious Holiday That Shall Not Be Named” break. You can open your presents when you get home from school.

  • ImNotBlue

    James Nelson said:
    Of course not. I had an uncle who worked in the factories in WWII. What I am saying, is that I believe that in this great country of ours, when times are tough, when there are wars going on, when our nation is at risk, then everyone whom is able should sacrifice.

    Uh-huh… but who determines what is “sacrifice” and what isn’t? Would the person who was in the military for 15 years, never saw his family, and lost a limb half way across the world, see your 3 year service as the same kind of “sacrifice” he made?

    We all sacrifice in our own way… some serve, some donate their time, and some donate their money. Who’s to say what is “sacrifice” and what isn’t?

    The Real Royal King said:
    I have no problem about any of that as long as we all agree people getting on the internet and kvetching is not an indicia of love of country. Something more is required. Something positive.

    With all due respect, Royal… the last thing I’m interested in, is what you do and don’t have a problem with. I cannot imagine finding anyone whose opinion I care less about.

  • Pablo

    ImNotBlue said:
    Uh-huh… but who determines what is “sacrifice” and what isn’t? Would the person who was in the military for 15 years, never saw his family, and lost a limb half way across the world, see your 3 year service as the same kind of “sacrifice” he made?

    Let me clear this up. I served and my service was much like that of Markos Zuniga. I worked armed, in the Federal Republic of Germany, back when there was such a thing. A Cold Warrior was I. Let me tell you this right now: That was some cake duty and it was frigging awesome. Germany is fabulous, and her temptations are endless. Had the feces impacted the reciprocating oscillator, my ass would have been in the grass. But that didn’t happen and the closest I came to seeing hostile action was an aborted-at-the-last-minute deployment after the Beirut barracks bombing. Grenada turned out to be a more pressing matter.

    My service is completely puny and irrelevant to anything our fighting men and women are undertaking today. These are incredible people making the best of some very bad situations. Their sacrifice is an amazing testament to our armed forces, and my hat remains off to them for all that they do and all that they give.

  • rjakjr

    You guys have short fuses, people being politically correct about this time of year isn’t just about religion due to Christmas… it’s due to the other holidays coinciding with this time of year. Ever think of that??? Kwanza, Hannukah, etc. Open your pea-sized minds a bit more… you can do it.

  • TfT

    If it had been a festivus party she wouldn’t have apologized.

    I’m offended beyond words by Ms. Totenberg – I think NPR should fire her ass for offending so many people. Oh wait, they only do that to black men who offend the left. No biggie offending the right Christian society in this country, you know the majority.

    Fire Totenberg.

  • Pablo

    rjakjr said:
    You guys have short fuses, people being politically correct about this time of year isn’t just about religion due to Christmas… it’s due to the other holidays coinciding with this time of year. Ever think of that??? Kwanza, Hannukah, etc. Open your pea-sized minds a bit more… you can do it.

    Hannukah ended almost 2 weeks ago and Kwanzaa is as serious as Festivus. Ever think of that??? It’s Christmas time in America. Deal with it.

  • Seeing 2012 From My Window

    More from that non-existent war on Christmas:

    High School Punishes Christmas Sweater Club for Giving Candy Canes

    http://www.theblaze.com/stories/high-school-punishes-christmas-sweater-club-for-giving-candy-canes/

  • Nahu Tuk

    Merry Christmas Ms. Totenberg. I hope Santa brings you a new face this year; you sure could use one.

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