[Theodore R.]

How many times will radio and TV commentators continue to make controversial, job-ending remarks when they think they are off the air? Don't they know that they can never be sure if their microphone is truly turned off? Wasn't Reagan's joke about bombing the Soviet Union said when he thought that he was off the air? David Brinkley's anti-Clinton comments in 1996 came when he thought that he was talking in private as well.

[kjam22]

Yep... a microphone is never turned off unless it has a switch on it and you flip the switch off. Otherwise it is broadcasting somewhere. Either the guys in the booth hear it... or the public hears it.

[Akira]

I believe Bernard Shaw's on-air comment (CNN back in the late 90s) sums it up:

"This is a f***ing disaster!"

Personally, I won't miss Savage.

[ArGee]

How many times will radio and TV commentators continue to make controversial, job-ending remarks when they think they are off the air?

I agree - I thought everyone in the conservative movement would know by now what a clymer thing that is to do.

Shalom.

[Moonman62]

Don't forget the Major League Clymer comment.

[Donna Lee Nardo]

That dearly departed David Brinkley will remain a giant in journalism. His anti-clintoon remarks also proved he was a genius commentator as well!

[Lee'sGhost]

Brinkley's anti-Clinton comments in 1996 came when he thought that he was talking in private as well.

I may be wrong, but my recollection of that espisode was that he knew he was on air. I seem to recall Jennings or someone saying real nervously, "You know we're on the air." And Brinkley saying, "Yes, I know."

Of course, my memory sucks.

[FreedomNotSafety]

Reagan's comment did not end his career. I thinks it's arguable whether that was an unintended remark.

[murdoog]

David Brinkley's anti-Clinton comments in 1996

Those were the most bizarre comments I have ever heard on TV. The only faults Clinton does NOT have are being boring and lacking creativity.