Pat Buchanan out at MSNBC

Pat Buchanan out at MSNBC: MSNBC dropped conservative commentator Pat Buchanan on Thursday, four months after suspending him following the publication of his latest book.

The .......

Pat Buchanan out at MSNBC

Pat Buchanan out at MSNBC: MSNBC dropped conservative commentator Pat Buchanan on Thursday, four months after suspending him following the publication of his latest book.

The ...

Pat Buchanan out at MSNBC

MSNBC dropped conservative commentator Pat Buchanan on Thursday, four months after suspending him following the publication of his latest book.

The book "Suicide of a Superpower" contained chapters titled "The End of White America" and "The Death of Christian America." Critics called the book racist, anti-Semitic and homophobic, charges Buchanan denied.

MSNBC President Phil Griffin said last month that he didn't think Buchanan's book "should be part of the national dialogue, much less part of the dialogue on MSNBC."

The network said on Thursday that "after 10 years, we have decided to part ways with Pat Buchanan. We wish him well."

Buchanan, in a column posted on Thursday, called the decision "an undeniable victory for the blacklisters."

The former GOP candidate had seemed increasingly out of place on MSNBC as it emphasized liberal commentary in recent years. But he kept a regular presence, even forging an unlikely chemistry with talk show host Rachel Maddow despite disagreeing on most issues.

Buchanan wrote that advocacy groups like Color of Change and the Anti-Defamation League brand people as racists or anti-Semites if they dare "to venture outside the narrow corral in which they seek to confine debate." They seek to silence and censor dissent while proclaiming devotion to the First Amendment, he said.

"I know these blacklisters," he wrote. "They operate behind closed doors, with phone calls, mailed threats and off-the-record meetings. They work in the dark because, as Al Smith said, nothing un-American can live in the sunlight."

The liberal media watchdog Media Matters for America said that MSNBC made the right decision in letting Buchanan go.

The book "was not his first, nor his worst offense," said Ari Rabin-Havt, executive vice president of Media Matters. "He's been making the same racially insensitive, anti-Semitic and homophobic statements for the past 50 years."

Randy Travis arrest video released; Oprah Winfrey to return to acting

Randy Travis arrest video released; Oprah Winfrey to return to acting: Video has been released that shows the recent arrest of country singer Randy Travis for public intoxication. The catch phrase of the ...

Randy Travis arrest video released; Oprah Winfrey to return to acting

Video has been released that shows the recent arrest of country singer Randy Travis for public intoxication. The catch phrase of the otherwise not terribly compelling clip: “Are you kiddin’ me?” (Associated Press)

Oprah Winfrey is reportedly considering an offer to co-star in “The Butler,” a film about Eugene Allen, an African American man who worked as a White House butler for eight presidents over a span of more than 30 years. The movie will be directed by Lee Daniels, Academy Award-winning writer of “Precious”; the screenplay, rewritten by Daniels from a script by Danny Strong, is based on a Washington Post story by our own Wil Haygood. Hugh Jackman and Mila Kunisare among those who also may sign on to the project. (The Hollywood Reporter)

Mery Streep: From Margaret Thatcher to Julia Roberts’s mother. (Andreas Rentz – Getty Images)In other casting news, Julia Roberts and Meryl Streep have signed on to star in a screen adaptation of “August: Osage County,” the Pulitzer Prize-winning play. Roberts will play Streep’s daughter in the film. It’s the first time the two women have worked together on a movie project. (Via Weinstein Co. press release)

Aw, it’s like old times: Charlie Sheen has called “Two and a Half Men” a “steaming pile of [expletive]” after Warner Bros. sent him a cease-and-desist letter, asking his production company not to use any promotional photos from his former show to promote his upcoming sitcom “Anger Management.” “I’m thrilled,” Sheen told TMZ, in addition to making the steaming pile comment. “It insulates me from having to redundantly see myself in the idiotic bowling shirt.” (TMZ)

Terry O’Quinn — you knew and loved him as John Locke on “Lost” — has signed on to star in an ABC pilot for “666 Park Ave.,” a potential series about a historic New York City building that may be host to some supernatural activity. Sounds like “Lost” meets “American Horror Story,” doesn’t it? (Deadline)Ian Somerhalder will receive the Wyler Award at the Humane Society’s Genesis Awards next month. The “Vampire Diaries” star is being recognized for raising awareness about animal rights issues. (Via Humane Society of the United States)

Seal, who had been wearing his wedding ring despite plans to divorce Heidi Klum , has apparently removed the ring. Or at least he had when this photograph was taken in Australia. (E! Online)

With “ The Simpsons ” celebrating its 500th episode this week, it makes sense that designer Jeremy Scott created a series of Bart Simpson-inspired looks for Fashion Week. Yup. Total sense.

Randy Travis arrest video released; Oprah Winfrey to return to acting

Randy Travis arrest video released; Oprah Winfrey to return to acting: Video has been released that shows the recent arrest of country singer Randy Travis for public intoxication. The catch phrase of the ...