Last Friday on MSNBC, Joe Scarborough wondered aloud if Fred Thompson's wife "works the pole." Critics took aim at Scarborough on Monday, wih one blogger calling it "Scarborough's Imus moment." Here's the video.

MSNBC says the remark is being taken out of context. "A female triathlete had been discussing her exercise routine with Joe," and that routine includes a stripper's pole. "That is the context in which the issue was discussed. To suggest otherwise is irresponsible," a spokesperson tells USA Today.

Scarborough is back doing "Morning Joe" on Wednesday...