Yesterday, I mentioned the phenomenon of politicians unable to resist the urge to cite a (sometimes stretched or fictional) personal anecdote that ties them to whatever circumstance, audience, or news event is before them. And today we read, in an article of the due-to-be-put-out-to-pasture Don Imus and his idiotic comments:

“Those women did not deserve those hateful and hurtful comments,” Democratic presidential candidate and New York Sen. Hillary Clinton said Tuesday. “I’ve been on the receiving end of his barbs, so I understand. I’m a public figure, but it just went way over the line.”

Yes, Hillary, because this controversy is all about you.

UPDATE: Today’s guests on Don Imus? (His suspension from MSNBC starts April 16.) James Carville and Paul Begala, former advisers to the Clintons. A friend mentioned it, and the Philly Inquirer noted it as well:

In fact, Carville is part of today’s all-white, all-boys lineup, with fellow Democratic strategist Paul Begala, The Sopranos’ Steve Schirippa, and MSNBC contributor Mike Barnicle.

I understand Sen. John McCain has indicated he will appear on Imus show at some point as well. (He has, and so has Rudy. Edwards has responded, ”I believe in redemption. I believe in forgiveness.”)

UPDATE, AGAIN: Oh, please. From Hillary:

Dear Jim,
When our children are young, we teach them to dream big and reach for the stars, and that if they work hard enough they can accomplish anything.
This year the Rutgers women’s basketball team defied the odds and lived up to their dreams, providing inspiration to every little boy and girl beginning to pick up a ball or open a book. These remarkable young women reached the pinnacle of success and won the hearts of basketball fans everywhere with their grace, skill, and poise. They are role models deserving our praise — and our support.
Don Imus’s comments about them were nothing more than small-minded bigotry and coarse sexism. They showed a disregard for basic decency and were disrespectful and degrading to African Americans and women everywhere.
Please join me in sending the young women of Rutgers a message of respect and support. Show them that we are proud to stand with them and for them.

So, Senator, how do you feel about Carville and Begala appearing on the program today?

YET ANOTHER UPDATE: I don’t quite get it. I know Imus’ guests like appearing on his program, for many reasons, not least of which is that he has his guests on for long stretches at a time. But isn’t any major candidate going to look at this comment – after plenty of similarly crass comments from Imus and his crew – and say, “Eh, you know, I just don’t think I need to be on that program again anytime soon”?

I used to be a fan of Imus’ program, particularly the impersonations by Rob Bartlett. But so much of the humor is so deliberately tasteless, straining to be as offensive and shocking as possible, it’s hard to enjoy the non-tasteless moments.