UPDATE: 12.07.15: Peters has been suspended for two weeks following his use of crude language to describe the president’s weekend address on terrorism, a network spokeswoman announced Monday afternoon.
“Earlier today, Fox contributors Lt. Col. Ralph Peters and Stacey Dash made comments on different programs that were completely inappropriate and unacceptable for our air,” the spokeswoman told CNNMoney. “Fox Business Network and Fox News Channel do not condone the use of such language, and have suspended both Peters and Dash for two weeks.”
–
A retired Army officer was scolded on the Fox Business Network Monday morning for using foul language to describe President Obama’s weekend Oval Office address on the threat of the Islamic State.
The president urged people to not be afraid, but Fox News strategic analyst Lt. Col. Ralph Peters said fear isn’t the problem.
“Mr. President, we’re not afraid! We’re angry! We’re pissed off! We’re furious!” the retired officer said. “We want you to react. We want you to do something. You’re afraid! I mean, this guy is such a total p—-, it’s stunning! We, the American people, who he does not know in any intimate sort of manner, we want action. We want action against Islamic State.”
Varney interjected, admonishing his guest for his choice of words.
“I can tell you’re super angry and I asked you what your reaction was, but you can’t use language like that on the program,” the host said.
Peters apologized later, adding, “Yes, Stuart, I do apologize for giving into my anger … but I feel the American people understand where I’m coming from on this.”
“My choice of words was incorrect, but my sentiment, I think, is shared by many,” he added.
Peters isn’t alone in panning the president’s address. Several commentators joined in Sunday and Monday morning to criticize the president for failing to offer any new details regarding his administration’s plan to defeat ISIS.
The retired officer also isn’t alone in using bad language to describe the president. Bloomberg News’ Mark Halperin made headlines in 2011 for his characterization of Obama’s handling of a June 29 press conference.
“I thought he was kind of a d–k yesterday,” the political pundit said during a live broadcast of MSNBC’s Morning Joe.
MSNBC quickly issued an apology for Halperin’s remarks, announcing that it had also suspended him for his conduct.
“Mark Halperin’s comments this morning were completely inappropriate and unacceptable. We apologize to the president, the White House and all of our viewers. We strive for a high level of discourse, and comments like these have no place on our air. Therefore, Mark will be suspended indefinitely from his role as an analyst,” the cable news network said.
Halperin responded by issuing an apology of his own, saying, “I completely agree with everything in MSNBC’s statement about my remark. I believe that the step they are taking in response is totally appropriate. Again, I want to offer a heartfelt and profound apology to the president, to my MSNBC colleagues and to the viewers. My remark was unacceptable, and I deeply regret it.”
MSNBC lifted the suspension a few weeks later.
A spokesperson for FBN did not respond to the Washington Examiner’s request for comment about Peters’ comments.
