BASHIR QUITS MSNBC FOLLOWING PALIN ATTACK

Martin Bashir has followed Alec Baldwin out the door at MSNBC following what Bashir had already acknowledged as his offensive remarks about Sara Palin. Bashir had already apologized on the air to the former Alaska governor, but, he said in a statement on Wednesday, “Upon further reflection, and after meeting with the President of MSNBC, I have tendered my resignation. … It is my sincere hope that all of my colleagues, at this special network, will be allowed to focus on the issues that matter without the distraction of myself or my ill-judged comments.” In a separate statement, MSNBC President Phil Griffin said, “I understand his decision and I thank him for three great years with MSNBC. … Martin is a good man and respected colleague — we wish him only the best.” The cable network did not immediately announce Bashir’s replacement, but speculation immediately centered around Ronan Farrow, the son of Mia Farrow and Woody Allen, who, the network said, would front a new daytime talk show beginning early next year.