When the ‘S-Word’ Was Taboo, Part 2

Former U.S. President Barack Obama waves at the audience members during a rally celebrating the passage and signing into law of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act health insurance reform bill at the Interior Department in Washington on March 23, 2010.JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images

Commentary

After I wondered aloud on CNN whether, as president, Barack Obama would “lead the country in a socialist direction” (and was instantly accused of “Red-baiting” by the next panelist), I never again resumed regular appearances on Lou Dobbs’s show, and my contract was not renewed.