(IMAGE SOURCE: Pop Matters)

BY CHRISTIAN BRYANT
ANCHOR CHRISTY LEWIS

A little bit of snark can get you in a whole lot of trouble -- just ask The Roots. NBC recently issued an apology to GOP presidential candidate Michele Bachmann after her appearance on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.

House band The Roots welcomed her with a less-than-flattering song choice. Here’s MSNBC with the recap.

Congresswoman Bachmann didn’t immediately catch the dig, but The Roots played a cut off a 1985 Fishbone album. The song title is “Lyin’” and then words that rhyme with “grass” and “ditch.” You get the picture. Here’s Bachmann’s response.

“This is clearly a form of bias on the part of the Hollywood entertainment elite, but it’s also sexism as well. This wouldn’t be tolerated if this was Michelle Obama. It shouldn’t be tolerated if it’s a conservative woman either.” 

But a CNBC Correspondent believes this matter extends beyond partisanship. It’s simply about respect. Here’s John Harwood:

“There probably would’ve been a swifter response if it was the first lady because she’s more high profile. Ultimately though, we got to the place that we ought to get to. Everybody knows that Jimmy Fallon’s a funny guy and the show is edgy, but if you’re going to have a presidential candidate as a guest in your house, you’ve got to treat them with respect. The way she was introduced was outrageous...”

One panelist on Fox News says this brings up another issues regarding female political candidates.

“The reality is a conversation about sexism against women candidates is way overdue. It is something that stops women from entering into the political process and that is harming us as a country. I think though, what I’m a little bit bothered about is Congressman Bachmann’s approach to this that it’s a partisan thing, she’s being attacked because of her political beliefs. All women are attacked.”

According to the Chicago Tribune, this sort of snarkiness and subtle social commentary isn’t anything new for The Roots.

“When Fox Business Network’s Lou Dobbs came out, [The Roots] played part of Genesis’ ‘Illegal Alien,’ a reference to Dobbs’ frequent commentaries on illegal immigration. Current TV host Keith Olbermann, formerly of MSNBC, heard part of Klymaxx’s ‘I Miss You."’ Kathy Lee Gifford was saluted with UB40’s ‘Red Red Wine,’ a reference to the drink she often shares on-air with ‘Today’ co-host Hoda Kotb.”

Congresswoman Bachmann has accepted Fallon’s apology and plans to revisit his show on a later date. CNN writes:

According to a spokeswoman,

“Fallon has invited Bachmann back on the show... adding that no date was set but ‘she would prefer to pick her opening music next time.’”