Mark Halperin inappropriately uttered the exact word to describe President Obama’s demeanor at his White House press conference yesterday on the set of MSNBC’s Morning Joe this morning, and then, immediately, apologized.  The word should not have been used to describe the President of the United States, but I suspect it will stick, so suitably tailored to the President’s countenance these days it is. I won’t repeat Halperin’s word choice here, but the video clip can be seen here.

I am curious to see what happens to Halperin.  I don’t think he meant to be vulgar — just succinct.  But the line of decency clearly was crossed, even though worse words are routinely used on cable comedy shows today.  I suspect Halperin will have to be punished in some way, lest others begin to speak too freely, knowing that an instant apology will get them off the hook.

UPDATE: Halperin has been indefinitely suspended.