Palin 'humble enough' to accept Bashir apology
Sarah Palin accepted Martin Bashir's apology on Thursday, a day after the MSNBC host resigned in the wake of a scandal stemming from comments he made about her.
"My role is to accept his apology and be humble enough to accept it and move on," Palin said on "Fox & Friends." “At this point, I’m used to it. ... In this world, you are going to be hurt and attacks will come your way."
Last month, Bashir apologized to Palin and MSNBC viewers after suggesting on air that the former Alaskan governor be defecated on for comparing the federal debt to slavery.
"I made some comments which were deeply offensive and directed at Gov. Sarah Palin," Bashir said on Nov. 18. "I wanted to take this opportunity to say sorry to Mrs. Palin and to also offer an unreserved apology to her friends and family, her supporters, our viewers and anyone who may have heard what I said. My words were wholly unacceptable."
But the initial apology was apparently not enough for Palin, who canceled a scheduled holiday interview with the "Today" show in protest over NBC News not taking action against Bashir.
Alec Baldwin, who was fired by MSNBC after he was caught on video berating a photographer with a gay slur outside his New York City apartment, also criticized the network. "Martin Bashir's on the air, and he made his comment on the air!" Baldwin said.
On Wednesday, Bashir, who had been on what the network described as a "planned vacation," announced his resignation.
“After making an on-air apology, I asked for permission to take some additional time out around the Thanksgiving holiday," Bashir said in a statement. "Upon further reflection, and after meeting with the President of MSNBC, I have tendered my resignation.
"It is my sincere hope that all of my colleagues, at this special network, will be allowed to focus on the issues that matter without the distraction of myself or my ill-judged comments," he continued. "I deeply regret what was said, will endeavor to work hard at making constructive contributions in the future and will always have a deep appreciation for our viewers... ."
In a separate statement, MSNBC president Phil Griffin said he understood Bashir's decision, adding: "Martin is a good man and respected colleague — we wish him only the best.”
