MTV Host Gets Political -- Slams GOP

Russell Brand seemed a little out of place as the host at the MTV Video Music Awards. It was because Brand injected the VMAs with blunt politics, self deprecation, unabashed sexuality, and, yes, plenty of off-color remarks.

Early in his opening monologue, Brand pleaded: "Please, America, elect Barack Obama. On behalf of the world."For good measure _ and surely stepping over the line _ Brand referred to President Bush as "that retarded cowboy fellow." Speaking of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's daughter's boyfriend and would-be father, Levi Johnston, Brand sympathized with him: "That is the safe sex message of all time. Use a condom or become a Republican!