Politics

Calif. NOW President Defies Boss, Confirms Whitman is a ‘Whore’

It may be that the term “whore” will forever be tied to this year’s mid-term election season. It seems it’s the word, and story, that just won’t die. Thanks to the National Organization for Women (NOW), the story got new life today.

The controversy started when the word was used in a planning session for California Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jerry Brown. After failing to properly hang up the phone, someone in his office was recorded as wondering aloud if the campaign should call Republican candidate Meg Whitman a whore. That created a firestorm, and Brown eventually gave a half-hearted apology.

So when NOW decided to endorse Brown last week after the comment became public, some questioned why a group that promotes women and should naturally oppose offense language against them would do so.

In response to the criticism, national NOW President Terry O’Neill said that anyone who “from here on” calls a woman a “whore” should be fired. Previous whore-sayers were absolved.

“This term is hate speech that carries with it negative connotations associated with women, and it has no place in contemporary society,” O’Neill said in a statement Wednesday, according to Fox. “NOW calls on Brown, from this point forward, to fire any member of his staff who uses this word or any hate speech against women.”

California NOW president Patty Bellasalma must not have gotten the memo. Not only did she repeat the slur, but she expounded on it. Bellasalma used the term on two separate occasions, this one from Talking Points Memo: “Meg Whitman could be described as ‘a political whore.’ Yes, that’s an accurate statement.”

Earlier comments to the Daily Caller elaborated on her position:

Bellasalma said that while calling Whitman a “whore” was a poor choice of words, the description was accurate. “The very troubling issue that is embedded in that call is what prompted the description of Meg as a ‘whore’ is basically that she sold out Californians for an endorsement and a $450,000 independent expenditure campaign,” she said.

And for those who might want to claim Bellasalma was taken out of context, she confirmed to TPM that she wasn’t. She really, truly, believes that Whitman is a “political whore.”

Over at Hot Air, Ed Morrissey raises a good question: will O’Neil follow her own suggestion and fire Bellasalma for the comments? Morrissey says O’Neil should:

NOW routinely plays victim cards, and has done so explicitly on this kind of rhetoric.  Now they have been “hoist with their own petard,” and should be held accountable to their own standards.  Even with O’Neill’s laughable construction, Bellasalma should have her walking papers in hand by the end of the day today.

But won’t:

Will O’Neill fire Bellasalma?  Not a chance.  Expect NOW to suddenly embrace the “whore” insult as an asexual description of a lack of honor and ethics, which is exactly how it has been meant when used in the political context by all of the people NOW attacked over the years for using the term.  And in doing so, they will have completed their performance-art meltdown and the exposure of their own lack of integrity and honesty.

Friday, Fox News debated the issue. Host Martha MacCallum asked whether, while offensive, could “political whore” be an accurate description of some of Whitman’s dealings? MacCallum’s guests dodged the question, but the answer might be “maybe” — she’s apparently promised to protect the Los Angeles Police Protective League’s pensions from her pension-reform plan:

Comments (130)

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  • rfycom
    Posted on October 15, 2010 at 3:23pm

    Goldline people goldline. If you ain‘t patronized Goldline you ain’t got no business listening to Mr. Beck. Come on people expenses are up at the Beck household. Buy Goldline

    Report Post »  
    • Spyder
      Posted on October 15, 2010 at 3:33pm

      If you’re trying to troll, you’re doing it wrong. FAIL!

      Report Post » Spyder  
    • C. Schwehr
      Posted on October 15, 2010 at 11:53pm

      Another troll here…move on, nothing to see here…..

      Report Post »  
  • stelci
    Posted on October 15, 2010 at 3:22pm

    In other words NOW should really be NOELW (National Organization for Extreme Liberal Women). These people have no credibility.

    Report Post »  
  • LastChance
    Posted on October 15, 2010 at 3:18pm

    O.K. So, is the thinking only a woman can call another woman the “W” word? Please. This is the same thinking proscribed by NOW in the early days (by the most radical elements) that marriage was the eqivalent of legalized prostitution for women.

    Report Post »  
  • StrinaM
    Posted on October 15, 2010 at 3:18pm

    WAS (Women Asserting Stereotypes) is a more apt description of NOW.

    Report Post » StrinaM  
    • angrymob
      Posted on October 15, 2010 at 3:29pm

      Here’s another that accurately describes NOW: N.O.H. (Nasty Old Hags).

      Report Post » angrymob  
    • M31Sailor
      Posted on October 15, 2010 at 3:38pm

      From Rush NAG
      National Assoc of Gals

      Report Post » M31Sailor  
  • LSX
    Posted on October 15, 2010 at 3:15pm

    A clean, articulate whore…

    .

    Report Post » LSX  
  • thepatriotdave
    Posted on October 15, 2010 at 3:14pm

    Then it is fair to say that NOW is filled with nothing but Fascist whores.

    PatriotShops.com

    Report Post » thepatriotdave  
  • cheezwhiz
    Posted on October 15, 2010 at 3:14pm

    If cutting deals with unions in return for their money and vote and thugs makes you a whore,
    then Obama is a whore too.

    Report Post » cheezwhiz  
    • BurntHills
      Posted on October 15, 2010 at 3:40pm

      well we have known that since obama was sworn into Office and America started being destroyed as obama BOWED to foreign leaders.

      Report Post » BurntHills  
  • justsayin
    Posted on October 15, 2010 at 3:13pm

    I am a woman. I hate NOW, let’s just be clear on that. They are hypocrites of the worst kind.

    But, this was a private conversation. EVERYONE says off color things in private. I agree with NONAME22. Meg Whitman should take the high road, acknowledge it was an inappropriate thing to say, and move on to suggest debating the issues.

    Report Post » justsayin  
  • Iamtheoracle
    Posted on October 15, 2010 at 3:12pm

    And Jerry Brown isn’t a man-whore ?

    Report Post »  
  • just the facts
    Posted on October 15, 2010 at 3:12pm

    I am amazed that everything that is said in opposition is now deemed ‘hate’ speech. The progressives have done well in destroying our freedom of speech. Unfortunately, I think it’s going to get worse as they, the progressives, are deeply in-bedded in the system. Ever since 2008 when the dems took control of the house and senate, this country has slid away.

    Report Post »  
    • Josh
      Posted on October 15, 2010 at 4:18pm

      Agree with everything you said, except one thing: the Dems took control of the House and Senate in 2006, not ‘08.

      Report Post »  
    • just the facts
      Posted on October 15, 2010 at 7:05pm

      I stand corrected, thanks.

      Report Post »  
  • Spyder
    Posted on October 15, 2010 at 3:11pm

    NOW just lost all credibility. The second you let one incident slide and then condemn others, you reveal your bias. EPIC FAIL!

    Report Post » Spyder  
  • john seven eighteen
    Posted on October 15, 2010 at 3:09pm

    Well, since she really, REALLY believes Meg Whitman is one, I guess that makes it okay for her to say it. But only since it REALLY is what she believes. What a crock!! The hypocrisy is so thick you can cut it with a knife!!!

    Report Post » john seven eighteen  
  • LadyLiberty
    Posted on October 15, 2010 at 3:09pm

    meh, they’re both political whores…only difference is brown likes it.

    Report Post » LadyLiberty  
  • UPSETVET
    Posted on October 15, 2010 at 3:08pm

    If the word “ whore ” was bad in the past it’s just as bad or even worse now. Liberals are masters of the art of self preservation and denial. A wrong can be right if it‘s a liberal that’s in the wrong but if it’s a conservative, that’s a different ball game.

    Report Post »  
  • Rothbardian_in_the_Cleve
    Posted on October 15, 2010 at 3:07pm

    Look, liberalisms only sacred cow is the criticism of liberalism. Any lip service paid to being offended by terms or statements all comes back to that original tennant. They are a worldview constructed on hypocrisy.

    Report Post » Rothbardian_in_the_Cleve  
  • Contrarianthinker
    Posted on October 15, 2010 at 3:04pm

    Mary was fair and balanced Kevin showed perfect spin and rationalization. YES< YES the promise to the UNION was basic bribery. Don't ever defend someone they're very wrong. This is a perfect example of BLIND partisanship..

    Report Post »  
  • TeaPartyPatriot
    Posted on October 15, 2010 at 3:04pm

    The outrageous reaction of the d-crat socialist party’s unborn-infant killing support group, the National Organization for (D-Crat Socialist) Women abortionists to moonbeam brown it typical of ALL of their despicable actions.

    In spite of the misogynistic insults of moonbeam, the NO(DS)W REAFFIRMED its total and complete support for him – and to he** with defending women.

    NO(DS)W played the same game of “protect-the-lunatic-left-d-crat” when the reject from the Hair Club for Men, david letterman, began is offensive and basically obscene derision of sarah palin and her daughter. They kept their silence even after this lecherous perv was exposed for sexual harassment and manipulation of his female interns.

    Of course, they once again (see the pattern!) did they same with dingy-harry reid’s crude and offensive demeaning of women in his remarks about Gillibrand (”she’s HOT”). Dingy-harry is clearly a sleazy perv who sexually harasses and sexually objectifies women, but he gets the full support of NO(DS)W.

    Please, please DO NOT hold your breath waiting for NO(DS)W to say ANYTHING against their slimebag VP candidate, John “IT’S NOT MY BABY” Edwards and his treatment of his cancer-stricken wife. Edwards truly reflects the moral cesspool that is NO(DS)W.

    And now you know what the National Organization of (D-Crat Socialist) Women really stands for.

    Report Post » TeaPartyPatriot  
    • dizzyinthedark
      Posted on October 15, 2010 at 3:12pm

      Yes, now we know what NOW stands for and those associated with it should run like the wind in other direction taking their money with them.

      Report Post » dizzyinthedark  
  • angrymob
    Posted on October 15, 2010 at 3:03pm

    “Meg Whitman could be described as ‘a political whore.’ Yes, that’s an accurate statement.”
    *****************************
    No. Jerry Brown ran Oakland into the ground is a more accurate statement. They can‘t run on fact so they’ve reduced their campaign to name calling.

    Report Post » angrymob  
  • cheezwhiz
    Posted on October 15, 2010 at 3:03pm

    Expect NOW to suddenly embrace the “whore” insult as an asexual description of a lack of honor and ethics,
    ——————————————————–

    The question is not whether Whitman is a whore,
    the question is who is the bigger dirtier whore –Whitman or Brown ?

    Report Post » cheezwhiz  
  • El Paco
    Posted on October 15, 2010 at 3:03pm

    Ugh. She says that fire and police will have “A” pension plan, not “THE” pension plan they have now. Get that straight California.

    Report Post » El Paco  
    • Marylou7
      Posted on October 15, 2010 at 3:37pm

      And they should have a pension plan. These are people who put their lives on the line for all the others who apparently don’t care if their state falls into the ocean. Shame on California!

      Report Post » Marylou7  
    • countryboy42
      Posted on October 15, 2010 at 5:31pm

      California won’t fall into the ocean, there is a wingnut on every corner.

      Report Post »  
  • spreadcommonsensenot pc
    Posted on October 15, 2010 at 3:02pm

    here a whore there a whore everywhere a whore whore

    Report Post »  
  • M31Sailor
    Posted on October 15, 2010 at 3:02pm

    We know now what the W stands for in the “ NOW” bunch.

    Report Post » M31Sailor  
    • solaveritas
      Posted on October 15, 2010 at 3:10pm

      Now, THAT is funny (and correct…..politically). ha ha ha ha ha

      Report Post » solaveritas  
    • foxpaw
      Posted on October 15, 2010 at 3:13pm

      National Organization of Whores (aka NOW)…….hmmmmmm……I wonder how many American women will abandon this bunch of lunatic, self-loathing, America-hating liberal loons?

      Report Post » foxpaw  
    • Anonimouse
      Posted on October 15, 2010 at 3:21pm

      @ Foxpaw – do any actually belong? I thought they just made all this stuff up. LOL!

      Report Post »  
    • M31Sailor
      Posted on October 15, 2010 at 3:32pm

      Sol
      Only until my WW (Wonderful Wife) sees my post

      Report Post » M31Sailor  
    • My Two Cents
      Posted on October 15, 2010 at 3:35pm

      Foxpaw: I’m sure they have a lot of “women” in their organization but I doubt if they have many “ladies”.

      Report Post »  
  • wingedwolf
    Posted on October 15, 2010 at 3:02pm

    Using her own criteria, then all of the calfornia NOW women are whores!

    Report Post » wingedwolf  
  • NoName22
    Posted on October 15, 2010 at 3:01pm

    This is so dumb………

    Forget about California debt, the delay of a budget, illegal immigration, legalizing pot (yes), pension problems….

    No, the biggest problem is the use of a word whore……….In a country that protects free speech.

    Report Post »  
    • angrymob
      Posted on October 15, 2010 at 3:14pm

      Living in California stinks…we have major problems here and we are sinking as a state because of failed liberal policies. When I was a little girl – California was the state to be in; not so anymore! Anyone planning to move here? DON’T!!!!

      I agree it’s trivial compared to CA.’s problems. It‘s important to look at a person’s track record – Jerry Brown’s is one of FAILURE.

      Report Post » angrymob  
    • Anonimouse
      Posted on October 15, 2010 at 3:19pm

      Right NoName. People ought to say whatever they choose. I prefer to know what they really think.

      Fire Bellasalma for being a moron.

      Report Post »  
    • Marrabella
      Posted on October 15, 2010 at 3:54pm

      Sheesh! I live in Washington State. It USED to be a great place to live until the California Liberals(running from crime,pollution, and high taxes moved here.)
      They then proceeded to make us a liberal he’ll hole just like what they ran away from.
      Geeze, Louis—– What a mess.

      Report Post »  
    • angrymob
      Posted on October 15, 2010 at 4:15pm

      @ Marrabella

      Liberalism is like a Cancer that spreads throughout the body…one state is infected and soon neighboring states follow.

      Report Post » angrymob  
    • snowleopard3200
      Posted on October 15, 2010 at 7:03pm

      @Angry Mob – liberalism and progressivism are indeed both cancers for in Arizona we are trying to fight the one in the Washington DC area; and now yesterday the Federal activist judge has allowed 12 foreign countries to also join in suing Arizona while denying our state the right to respond to the court briefs they submitted!!!

      So much for open and equal justice for all in our country.

      Take back America in November by voting!!!

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • angrymob
      Posted on October 15, 2010 at 8:24pm

      @ snowleopard3200

      I’ll stand united with you in November :))))

      Report Post » angrymob  
    • CindiG
      Posted on October 15, 2010 at 11:07pm

      This woman doesn’t represent me… a Northeastern Californian (which is very different than a Californian), conservative, pro-life, pro-family, pro-gun mother of 4, and grandma of 4. Disgusting comments from an organization who does not represent the majority of women in America. If the people of California vote for the alternative of Meg Whitman, we are in extremely serious trouble…well I know we are already in very serious trouble. We need to use the Christ Christie of New Jersey model to “fix” our problems. Don’t know if we are up for it…Let’s just pretend everything is OK…what a joke! If my kids and spouses and grands would move to another state…we’d be there too.

      Report Post »  
  • bhelmet
    Posted on October 15, 2010 at 2:59pm

    Mary Anne Marsh, really? This woman defends all things liberal – unless done by someone perceived on the right. She has NOT once defended Palin. This woman is a joke.

    bhelmet  
    • solaveritas
      Posted on October 15, 2010 at 3:05pm

      Sorry to go off subject, but the news of a misguided NOW official is not news, its history.

      Now, HERE is a news article for the Blaze to print!!!

      African network praying for America’s spiritual awakening (Prayer Rally on the Washington Mall, Saturday, 10/16/10)
      http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=215773

      This is in keeping with the 8/28 them of Return to God. I hope Glenn gives this “prayer rally” a boost on his program. It will end up being bigger than the 10/2 or the 10/30 rallies, …. and do more good!!

      I hope the Blaze reads these comments!!! DO YOU HEAR ME BLAZE GUYS???????

      solaveritas  
    • LastChance
      Posted on October 15, 2010 at 3:12pm

      Solaveritas–Excellent info. Indeed, I agree. Would like to see this reported on The Blaze as my guess is we won’t likely see it anywhere else. Maybe Fox, I hope.

      Report Post »  
    • wingedwolf
      Posted on October 15, 2010 at 3:25pm

      Ah, yes, the only one who tells the truth, back at it again. Still don’t have your own page over which to control the content?

      Report Post » wingedwolf  
    • BurntHills
      Posted on October 15, 2010 at 3:39pm

      no, this dem in the Natl Org of Whores IS a political whore. period.

      Report Post » BurntHills  
    • d55may
      Posted on October 15, 2010 at 3:57pm

      No original ideas for these people, but they sure do need the prayers.

      Report Post » d55may  
    • 2
      Posted on October 15, 2010 at 4:29pm

      The NOW are not for Women. They are LIBTERDS.
      If you‘re not a LIBTERD and you’re a Lady they think you are a Dumb Azz.
      These NAG’s are Hypocrites like the rest of the LIBTERDS!

      Report Post »  
    • Grandpa
      Posted on October 15, 2010 at 4:46pm

      Takes one to know one

      Report Post »  
    • PhilaMike
      Posted on October 15, 2010 at 5:42pm

      These Hags of NOW should keep thier mouths shut as a WHORE has MORE CLASS than they do, at least Whores are HONEST about what the do but NOW HAGS are SO UNDESIRABLE they could not earn One Dollar from Sex, in fact they could not even GIVE it away as some Dairy Cows are more attractive than they are….Nuff Said..NOW= UGLY, SEXLESS BAGS……..

      Report Post »  
    • Independent Tess
      Posted on October 15, 2010 at 6:39pm

      NOW needs to get rid of the “W”. They do nothing to help women and have become irrelevant. Like the NAACP, their day is over and they have morphed into a strange animal that seeks to hang onto its power by whatever means possible.

      Report Post » Independent Tess  
    • belleharbor
      Posted on October 15, 2010 at 6:50pm

      Now has a whore in this race boxer,pelosi,brown all so called women have they ever been bedded

      Report Post » belleharbor  
    • godlovinmom
      Posted on October 15, 2010 at 7:54pm

      Now is a joke

      Report Post » godlovinmom  
    • paperpushermj
      Posted on October 15, 2010 at 11:05pm

      The NOW organization is a whore for the Democratic Party.

      Report Post » paperpushermj  
    • CYCLONE
      Posted on October 16, 2010 at 12:13am

      nothing like a pissed off lesbian to brighten your day…

      Report Post »  
    • thunder4570
      Posted on October 17, 2010 at 2:20pm

      Sounds to me that “NOW” can also be called political whores! It is ok for some one you support to denigrate and slur females. i guess i should not be surprised naacp only sees racism from conservatives!

      Report Post » thunder4570  
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