Bloomberg apologizes for “With All Due Respect” remarks

Bloomberg L.P. founder Michael Bloomberg in a New York meeting Tuesday apologized for the dismissive remarks he made last week regarding the Bloomberg Television show “With All Due Respect” co-anchored by longtime political reporters Mark Halperin and John Heilemann, reports Erik Wemple of the Washington Post.

Wemple writes, “Bloomberg’s apology brings him into compliance with the official statement about the matter: ‘With All Due Respect is a valuable part of our lineup. We’re very pleased with the show’s performance and the great work that Mark and John are doing throughout this election,’ noted the company last week. The show is rebroadcast daily on MSNBC at 6 p.m.

“This afternoon, Bloomberg himself put the matter into an email. ‘I am sorry that I said something that was perceived as disparaging,’ he wrote to colleagues. That was a reference to the ‘Haldeman-Ehrichman’ matter — a crack that the boss referred to as a ‘jocular comparison to Nixon-era political operatives who had a reputation for being tough and edgy.’ Sounding every bit like a chief executive who spreads blame with great efficiency, Bloomberg wrote, ‘In retrospect I should have expected someone to take it out of the lighthearted spirit in which it was meant.’

“Intentions notwithstanding, Haldeman and Ehrlichman were convicted of conspiracy and obstruction of justice, not exactly ideal traits for journalists.”

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