Minneapolis, MN (Rotters) - Conservative writer and commentator Peggy Noonan was today detained for questioning by Fox security. She was physically removed from an MSNBC set outside of the Republican National Convention at Nutter Arena in Minneapolis St. Paul, following a brief standoff with MSNBC security. Noonan, who was appearing with MSNBC pundit Chuck Todd, had earlier apparently not recognized that a microphone was still live, and in a presumably off air conversation declared that, "it's over", implying that the Republican Party had lost the presidential election through Sen. McCain's appointment of Sarah Palin as his vice presidential running mate. As the off-camera gaffe began sweeping the Internet through YouTube, Fox security stepped in to shut down the interview off-camera as the live crowd became unruly.
"Highly unprofessional," stated an editor for the Wall Street Journal. "Peggy has been with us for years and it's just stunning that this one would get past her." The Wall Street Journal was recently purchased and absorbed by Rupert Murdoch's Fox empire, and the editor stated that the parent corporation was weighing what actions to take against Noonan as she was held in custody. "There are billions in potential lost advertising revenue at stake here," the editor continued. "As I said, this is highly unprofessional. Journalism is not about the truth anymore, the fact of the matter is that it's all about entertainment now. A professional knows how to use the facts to keep the audience going. You never declare a race over no matter how likely it looks. That's a sure guarantee that your viewer simply turns the channel."
An anonymous Fox News official stated that, at a minimum, even if the charges of inciting to riot were thrown out, Noonan would be facing the immediate loss of all of her contracts, as well as stiff fines. A spokesperson from MSNBC stated that Chuck Todd had been temporarily suspended for his role in the unfortunate incident, pending further investigation.
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