Imus On Stahl
From the New York Post:DON Imus called CBS's Lesley Stahl a "gutless, lying weasel" yesterday for abruptly canceling an interview during which Imus planned to hammer her about conflict-of-interest allegations.
"I realize it's a little late in your life, honey, to start gettin' honest, but just say 'I don't want to appear on the program . . . because I heard what he said earlier this morning,' " Imus railed.
Imus had promised listeners he'd ask Stahl why she and "60 Minutes" didn't disclose that the new book by Sunday night's controversial guest - former terrorism official Richard Clarke - was released by Simon & Schuster.
Both the publisher and CBS - as well as Imus's station, WFAN - are owned by media giant Viacom.
"60 Minutes" executive producer Don Hewitt said the program should have disclosed the corporate connection but that leaving it out was merely an "oversight."
Imus yesterday accused Stahl of being "one of the more dishonest members of the media" for allegedly going too easy on Clarke, who's been characterized as a disgruntled former employee by Bush administration officials.
"She did everything but slip her tongue in his ear," said sidekick Bernard McGuirk.
"No wonder Fox [News Channel] is killing people - because people hate these people," said Imus.
A CBS News spokesperson told The Post that Stahl had to cancel Imus to shoot extra footage at Grand Central Terminal for upcoming segments of her primetime magazine "48 Hours Investigates."
Matt's Chat
Imus is one of those people who seeks truth...kinda like Drudge...and doesn't really care about the politics. I used to watch him on cable in the mornings when I was in college and always liked him...Mark's Remarks
Lesley Stahl(ing career). She hangs out with Andy Rooney, for heaven's sake...why would you want to be on that fossil of a show? Why not a real program, like Bill O'Reilly, or Hannity when Allen is gone, or heck, even a little program known as WMD tv? Mr. Imus, you are welcome anytime.
